However, flu germs are able to live longer if the virus is encased in mucus. This means that if you sneeze into your hands, this will cause greater contamination than simply touching something like a doorknob. The best way to get rid of germs on your hands is to wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
This removes anything from your hands that may be housing germs, such as mucus. If you are out of the house with no access to a bathroom, the next best thing is to use a hand sanitizer. Another important step to take if you think your hands may be contaminated is to make sure not to touch your face, as this is a common route for viruses to spread. The flu and other viruses can be extremely contagious without proper hygiene measures.
The easiest step to protect yourself is to wash your hands as often as possible, but if you are concerned about infection, consider sterilizing high-touch objects like phones and doorknobs as well.
World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Women's Health. Primary Care. Mental Health. While the coronavirus that causes COVID is not generally considered to be airborne, there may be some situations in which the virus can act like an airborne disease.
These include certain clinical settings in which people are receiving intensive medical treatment. In usual situations, SARS-CoV-2 is spread through respiratory droplets after a person coughs or sneezes, but these droplets are larger than what is considered airborne. If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
Millions of cases of the common cold occur each year in the United States. Most adults get two or three colds a year. Children tend to get them more frequently. The common cold is the top reason for absences at school and work.
Most of us have some experience with the flu. It remains contagious for another 5 to 7 days. If you have a weakened immune system for any reason, you can spread it to others longer than that. There are many strains of the flu, and they are constantly changing.
That makes it difficult for your body to develop immunities. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. If you have chickenpox, you can spread it for a day or two before you get the telltale rash. It takes up to 21 days after exposure for the disease to develop. Most people get chickenpox only once, and then the virus goes dormant. Should the virus reactivate later in life, you get a painful skin condition called shingles.
Mumps is another very contagious viral disease. You can spread it before symptoms appear and for up to 5 days after. Mumps used to be quite common in the United States, but rates have declined by 99 percent due to vaccination.
Outbreaks tend to occur in densely populated environments. Measles is a very contagious disease, particularly in crowded conditions. The virus that causes measles can remain active in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours.
Measles is a leading cause of death among children worldwide and was responsible for , deaths in There were 1, cases reported in As of March 2, , there have been 12 confirmed cases in This respiratory illness causes swelling of the airways that results in a persistent hacking cough.
Worldwide, there are about In , there were 15, reported cases in the United States. TB , also known as consumption, is an airborne disease. You generally have to be in close contact with a person who has it for a long time.
About 1. About 10 million people worldwide have active TB. People with a weakened immune system have the greatest risk of developing the disease. Rest and over-the-counter medicines are typically enough to reduce symptoms within a couple of days. Fever or chills, as well as more severe or abruptly occurring symptoms, may be a sign of the flu rather than a cold. Toggle navigation. Norton Children's Medical Group — Crestwood.
Norton Children's Medical Group — Dixie. Norton Children's Medical Group — Clarksville. Appointments KIDS. Appointments KIDS
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