Beat the Germs

Resources

Special thanks to: www.dobugsneeddrugs.org for content contribution

Information on this page is available to download as a handout.

What makes us sick?

Different germs make us sick

How do germs make us sick?

We spread germs by touching things!

Where are the germs?

Germs are everywhere!

Washing your hands is the BEST way to beat the germs!

How to wash hands?

  1. Wet your hands with warm water
  2. Use soap
  3. Rub the hands together for 20 seconds
  4. Rinse for 10 seconds
  5. Dry with a clean paper towel
  6. Use paper towel to turn off taps and open the door.

When do you wash your hands?

BEFORE you:
  • cook and eat
  • change a baby’s diaper
  • put a band aid on a cut or wound
  • floss your teeth
AFTER you:
  • Use the toilet
  • Blow your nose and sneeze
  • touch dirty things
  • touch garbage
  • touch an animal or clean up animal poo
  • take care of a sick person
Credit: World Health Organization(WHO) You tube channel

Hand drying

  • Removes 42% more germs than washing alone
  • Use clean paper towels
  • No sharing towels
  • Dry hands very well

Hand sanitizer – Hand rub

  • An alternative to hand washing
  • Good against bacterial infection
  • Not to use after bowel movement, contact with chemical and hand visibly dirty -> must wash hands with warm running water and soap
  • Dangerous if ingested or drunk so to keep away from young children or people with addiction

Germs can make you sick

  • Doctor will tell you the type of infection you have
  • Doctor can give proper treatment
  • This may or may not include medications

Not all germs are the same

Viruses can cause colds and influenza (‘flu’)

Take drugs wisely

  • Antibiotics do not kill viruses
  • Always follow doctor’s instructions
  • Never take another person’s antibiotics
  • Finish all your antibiotics to kill the bacteria completely

Understanding Cold & Flu Viruses

Cover your cough and sneeze

  • Cover your nose and mouth
  • Turn away from people
  • Cough into your arm
  • Cough into your tissue

Personal hygiene

  • Dental: tooth brush, tooth paste, and floss
  • Bath: shampoo and soap
  • Deodorant
  • Lotion
  • Nails and hairs
  • NO PERFUME
  • Clean clothing
  • Laundry: detergent
Credits: BrainPOP You Tube channel

Don’t spread the germs

When you are sick..

  1. Stay home
  2. Stay away from other people

To learn more or if you have any questions, contact your doctor or speak to a nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling Health Link Alberta toll free at 811.

Information on this page can be downloaded as a handout. If you have any questions, please contact us.


Disclaimer: This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an “as is”, “where is” basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use. Last updated October 2022.