Fighting germs doesn't require a complicated arsenal of weapons. Soap and water pack a powerful punch against harmful microorganisms. "Hand washing is probably not only the simplest, but also the most effective way to minimize spreading germs outside the home or once [they get] into your home," says Amy Crawford-Faucher, MD, family physician and clinical assistant professor at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The temperature of the water doesn't matter much, she says. The key is to scrub for at least 20 seconds — the amount of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday to You twice. If you can't get your hands on soap and water, use a disinfecting gel.
Keep Your Hands to Yourself
Most respiratory viruses spread when droplets from sneezes or coughs land in noses, mouths, and eyes, which are covered in vulnerable mucous membranes instead of a protective skin barrier, says Crawford-Faucher. Stop harmful microbes from finding their way in by keeping your hands off your face. Getting your kids to avoid handling their faces may be a hard sell, so focus on diligently washing your own hands to avoid spreading germs. If you have a toddler and a baby, teach the older sibling to limit excessive contact with the infant, she adds.
Get a Flu Shot
To protect against the flu, anyone 6 months or older should get vaccinated, says Crawford-Faucher. Continue to practice other germ-busting techniques after receiving an injection, though, because shots aren't 100-percent effective, she adds.
Don't Share Dinnerware
If your child contracts a stomach bug, make sure he refrains from sharing food, drinks, and silverware with the rest of your family. Experts recommend providing him with his own set of dishware until he recovers.
Close, Then Flush
Flushing the toilet with the lid up can launch germs into the air, landing them on the door and faucet handles as well as (gasp!) toothbrushes. Shut the lid before flushing to prevent dangerous microorganisms from taking flight, says Carolyn Forte, director of GHRI's Home Appliances and Cleaning Products department. Spread the word and ask family members to follow suit.
Change Towels and Sheets
Make a healthy habit of regularly switching out grubby bed linens and bath towels for laundered ones. "There's nothing worse than a dirty old towel hanging in the bath that everyone uses," says Forte. A sick loved one should use her own towel until she recovers. Replacing cloth hand towels with disposable paper ones can also minimize the spread of germs.
Sneeze Into Sleeves
In a classroom setting, anticipating sneezes and coughs can be unrealistic. Teach your children to sneeze and cough into their elbows or sleeves instead of a tissue to prevent transmitting illnesses. "Even if you have a tissue available, there's an extra step of having to throw the tissue away and then wash your hands right away," says Crawford-Faucher.
Scrub School Gear
Your child's backpack and lunchbox can house germs and carry them into your home. Banish bacteria by regularly hand washing gear or using a spray disinfectant such as Lysol, says Forte. Check the care label to see if your bag is sturdy enough to take a spin in the washing machine.
Tackle Touch Points
Certain items in your home receive lots of love from hands, and these spots tend to harbor a wealth of germs, including faucets and refrigerator handles, computer keyboards, light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, and phone handsets. Sanitize these areas every few weeks with disinfecting wipes to keep your family healthy. Clean your children's toys in the dishwasher (if permitted) or with a bleach and water solution, says Forte. You can also sanitize stuffed animals by tossing them in NSF-certified dryers.
When someone falls ill, disinfect kitchen handles daily. If you can't keep a sick family member away from a shared computer, place the gadget-friendly wipes next to the keyboard and ask her to clean it after every use, says Crawford-Faucher. Make sure to follow the directions on the product's label when cleaning — objects must stay wet for the recommended period of time for successful sanitization, adds Forte.