On average, a computer keyboard, ATM, and dirty office desks carry around more infectious agents than toilet seats. Shaking hands or hand contact with different surfaces (doorknobs, keyboards, touchscreens) are the most common spread of infectious diseases, so it is important that many individuals know the proper way to wash their hands.

As many students start school around this time and the holiday season approaches, we also enter the season when many airborne infections are more contagious. Every year, these secondary infections cause thousands of health concerns in hospitals. These infections can be found in schools, workplaces, and even your own homes. Most people who catch these illnesses end up with cold symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea, and headaches. However, older or immunocompromised folks are at increased risk of developing life-threatening symptoms and require hospitalization. Family Medicine, Dr. Tiffany Phon shares a few tips to keep yourself and your loved one safe during this season and prevent spreading infections.

Here are a few tips from Dr. Phon:

• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, especially in public areas.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often.
• Avoid touching your face. Often, people can become sick from bringing germs on their hands in contact with their eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Ensure good ventilation. Keep indoor air healthy by keeping it moving! Open windows, air conditioning, swamp coolers, and fans are great ways to keep air flowing.
• Get vaccinated! Everyone should get their flu vaccine each year as well as stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. You can also encourage your loved ones over 60 to get the RSV vaccine.
• If you come across someone that has COVID, continue to do the above, as well as get tested accordingly. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a great step-by-step guide. You can read more about it here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/if-you-were-exposed.html

Learning and promoting ways to prevent infection helps improve the general health of people around the world. Good health is essential to human happiness and well-being which contributes to prosperity and economic growth. Healthy populations are significantly more productive allowing many to live longer and have better quality of life.

If you come in contact with any infectious disease, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Phon or any of our family medicine specialists. Contact us at 1-844-827-8000 or submit an online appointment form to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment.

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.