For Immediate Release

Friday, Dec. 30, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Andover Health Division Reminds Residents to Cover Your Cough and Prevent Spread of Germs

ANDOVER — As cold and flu season continues, the Andover Health Division is reminding residents to “Cover Your Cough” and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of germs at home, work and school.

Colds, influenza, and other serious respiratory illnesses, such as whooping cough, are spread by cough, sneezing or unclean hands. The single best way to prevent the flu is to be vaccinated against it each season.

“We want to make sure our residents stay as healthy as possible this flu season, and that means taking steps in addition to getting the flu vaccine to prevent yourself from getting sick,” said Andover Director of Public Health Thomas Carbone. “If you are sick, make sure to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and please stay home from work or school to avoid getting others sick.”

To help stop the spread of germs, Andover Health recommends that resident follow these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

The Andover Health Division still has vaccines available for those who haven’t gotten their flu shot yet. Call the health department at 978-623-8640 to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions about preventing the spread of germs, visit the CDC website.

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