The Ebola virus had been in the news lately. It now causes an increased concern as it has been carried onto U.S. soil and the carrier has died. The virus is no longer something we can ignore, so I think it is best if we are educated on how to protect ourselves and be aware of the facts of how this virus is spread.
Included in this month’s newsletter is a print out from the ‘Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’ (CDC). It is important to note, that we CAN prevent the spread of this disease by being aware of how germs are transmitted. Hand washing has always been the best way to protect you from ingesting germs and also from passing them onto others.
Here are some examples of how easily it is to transmit these types of viruses:
Scenario #1. Joe was helping with bean harvest and has some scratches on his hands. He returns home to shower before heading to church. Joe is a greeter and shakes many hands as folks enter church. One person he unknowingly greets is a carrier of the virus. The virus has entered Joe’s body through the scratches on his hand. He has now acquired the virus.
Scenario #2. Margo isn’t feeling well today. She feels feverish and has some stomach pain and mild diarrhea. She thinks she may have just over exerted herself. She decides to attend the special activity in the community room as her friends are waiting for her. She is running late. She uses the restroom before leaving and quickly washes her hands with water, dries them on her towel and hurries to the event. Margo touches the arm of her friend, Cindy to greet her as she arrives. Cindy in turn, touches Margo’s hand. Cindy picks up her snack and begins to eat. Margo unknowingly has a virus and has passed it to Cindy, and Cindy has touched her own hand to her mouth allowing the virus to enter her body.
Scenario #3. George’s grandchildren come to visit, because George isn’t feeling well. They are always excited to see grandpa! George is cautious not to hug or kiss the children as he doesn’t want to pass on whatever he has. George’s grandson picks up George’s water glass and takes a drink from it. The grandson is now acquired the virus.
It is easy to miss those every day, normal events that make us susceptible to viruses. Our greatest ammunition is good hand hygiene! It costs only pennies each time we use soap and water to properly wash our hands. Using soap and water is essential to kill germs that carry viruses. You can use the hand rub, when your hands are not visibly soiled; if they are soiled use soap and water. Making hand washing a practice, especially when:
You have been ill or have been near someone who is ill.
- When preparing food and before eating
- After using the toilet
- After being in a crowd of people
- After being with animals or working in soil or near where trash areas.
~Tammy and Stepping Stone Staff