Fabulous Fall - Help keep it that way!

Fall is definitely here!  Don't you love it?!

The morning air is cool and crisp.
The apples are falling from their branches.
The leaves are changing a variety of gorgeous colors.
People are getting outside to enjoy hayrides, pumpkin patches, and cookouts.

For many, though, Fall can be a dangerous time.  As you are probably aware, Fall is also the time when germs are starting to spread like the wildfires in California.

Don't be careless when enjoying these beautiful Fall days.  Keep in mind that it is very important to avoid germs and be aware of your surroundings.  Allergies to the changing of the season and falling leaves are vicious to those who are affected.  But, they can also be an excuse for some who don't want to take the time to admit they are getting sick.

It is all too easy, when you come down with a cold, to say "It's just my allergies" and keep on going.  What you may not realize is that there are people around you who are extremely vulnerable to those cold germs you are spreading.  For some, it could lead to conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, or worse.

This week is International Infection Prevention Week.  So, it is time to take note of the things you can do to avoid those nasty germs, while also making the effort to prevent spreading them.  There are lots of great resources out there with information and tips.  Here is one: click here.
Remember, you could have the germs/cold virus for several days before feeling sympotoms.  You can be touching things and leaving germs behind without even realizing it.

The good news is that this is preventable!  
Hand hygiene is such a large tool against the spread of germs.  It sounds so simple, but it's true!
You probably don't realize the things you touch every day that are full of germs.  Everyone thinks of toilets and trash cans first when talking about this, but did you know that your cell phone typically has more germs on its surface than those other two COMBINED!  

Yep.  
Now think about this.....
Doorknobs. Office phones.  Grocery carts.  Credit/Debit machines (how many people have keyed in their PIN number that day, who hadn't washed their hands?) The refrigerator door handle.  Kitchen cabinets (really, how often are they wiped down?)  Computer keys. That pen you signed in with at the doctor's office.

Do I need to keep going? 
Or, are you already heading out the door to wash your hands?