Experts say that the main way illnesses such as meningitis, bronchiolitis, influenza, hepatitis A, infectious diarrhea and the common cold spread is via droplets from coughs and sneezes that are then spread through contaminated surfaces, food, water and hands. Considering some bacteria and viruses can live two hours or longer on surfaces, including tabletops and doorknobs, how can your family avoid becoming ill from them and spreading them? Here are two simple steps the experts recommend for minimizing the spread of germs.

Cover Your Mouth and Nose

The experts at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze—and teaching your children the same behavior—is a fundamental first step toward stopping the spread of germs and being polite to others around you.

Wash Your Hands Often

“Hand washing is the single most important way to not spread germs,” says Cindy Olson-Burgess, RN, infection control nurse at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics.

You and your children should also wash your hands before you prepare or eat food and after:

• coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• cleaning house
• playing outside
• touching animals
• using the bathroom
• visiting with sick family or friends.

Because proper hand washing is a worthwhile thing for your children to learn, here are some ways to add a little fun and variety to help ensure that your children learn it.

• Offer alcohol-based disposable hand wipes and gel sanitizers. They will quickly reduce the number of germs on skin, and occasionally gel use may be gentler on skin than soap. Teach your child to thoroughly wipe hands, fingers and wrists.
• Provide fun soaps in a variety of colors, shapes and scents to make washing enjoyable.
• Sing a little song. Effective washing takes only 15 seconds, but children tend to skimp. Sing a short song with your kids while they wash to so they can learn the proper length of time to wash.

Grab your children (with your clean hands of course) and watch our 2 minute video on how to properly wash those germs away!