MASSENA, NY - As we gather together this holiday season, take some steps to prevent the spread of germs when you are sharing in joyous celebrations.
Primary Care Physician Michelle Prentice, MD, with the Massena Hospital Medical Group pointed out handwashing should be at the top of everyone’s list, no matter the time of year. However, the winter season in the North Country means people congregate indoors more frequently, and these settings are rich in flu, COVID, and cold germs.
“Handwashing is such an important habit because it has been proven as one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of common infections,” she said. “To prevent the spread of infections, we should all make a habit of washing our hands after using the restroom, before and after preparing food, eating, having contact with a bodily orifice, and most especially when our hands are visibly dirty.”
Some of the most common surfaces that are cause for widespread contamination include public handles and door knobs, light switches, store or banking pin pads, elevator buttons, hand rails, and gas pumps. Personal and home sources also include handles and light switches, along with the remote control, smart phones and touch screens, money/wallet, keys, makeup tools and artificial nails, and the bottom of purses/gym bags/shoes.
“At home, we often don’t even think about some of the items we connect with multiple times a day. Toothbrushes can be directly contaminated and should be changed if someone in the household is sick, or on average of every three months,” Dr. Prentice said.
“Food preparation surfaces, such as refrigerator handles, stove knobs, microwave handles, and faucets should be cleaned regularly. Also, be aware that germs last longest on plastic and stainless steel (up to three days), so these surfaces should be disinfected frequently,” she added.
Once germs are on our hands, it is possible for them to spread to other parts of the body that are touched.
“Just like our noses and mouths, our eyes have a type of barrier that some germs are able to cross. Once inside, these germs can travel through tracts connecting the eyes to our respiratory, digestive and neurological systems, for example. This can cause additional and sometimes more severe illness.
Washing hands frequently and avoiding rubbing your eyes are ways this type of infection spread can be prevented,” Dr. Prentice explained. “If you have symptoms concerning an eye infection, you should also avoid contact lens use.
Spread Joy, Not Germs
“The holiday season can be such a wonderful time for family and friends to gather and share food, gifts and laughter. A new illness is on no one’s wish list; however, we encourage those attending gatherings to following hand washing and surface cleansing habits, and stay up-to-date on your seasonal immunizations a few weeks before any gatherings,” she continued. “If you have had a fever in the last 24 hours please stay home. And the same goes if you have recent or new symptoms in the past five days, such as a runny nose, congestion, or cough. Allergy symptoms are less common in the winter, so it is important not to assume your congestion or runny nose is simply your allergies.”
If you have had symptoms for more than five days but are improving, plan to wear a high-quality mask and avoid directly sharing food or restrooms when gathering with others.
“Small improvements to your everyday health habits are easier to stick with, and will help buffer against some of the unpleasant effects of winter months,” Dr. Prentice said, “Don’t hesitate to see you primary provider for additional healthcare needs and strategies during this time.”
Learn about St. Lawrence Health’s Primary Care Services.
