December is known as Germ Prevention Month, and a local expert shares ways to minimize the spread of bacteria.

According to Dallas County Health Department Community Health Educator Natalie Peters, common times germs are passed around is from not washing hands after coughing, being surrounded by others who are sick, or touching exposed skin while preparing food. She stresses that the main way to stop the spread of bacteria comes down to washing your hands.

“Many adults rush washing their hands or skip it altogether. The most effective way to wash your hands is to scrub them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, which is the time it takes to sing the happy birthday song twice. That’s kind of a good way to tell if you’re getting them clean enough.”

As for best practices for curing the common cold, Peters recommends staying at home to rest, drinking plenty of water, and eating nutritious foods. However, she notes that people should seek medical attention if a fever reaches at least 103 degrees or has lasted more than three days. She adds that severe chest or stomach pain, and difficulty breathing can also act as signs of a common cold or the flu. Peters concludes that a primary care provider should be able to alleviate most cases, but people should call the Emergency Room if conditions feel dire.