How Germs are Spread
You can't see them, but germs live everywhere. You can come into contact with germs at school, work, daycare and yes, even during play. These invisible creatures have the potential to turn into colds, flues and other contagious infections.
Viral and bacterial infections are spread the same way. When someone coughs or sneezes, contagious respiratory droplets are transported into the air and can be inhaled by someone over three feet away. Both viruses and bacteria can live on surfaces such as desktops and door handles for more than two hours. These germs are spread when a person touches the contaminated area and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.
There is really no way to prevent your child from coming in contact with germs, but there are steps you can take to help prevent them from spreading, such as encouraging your child to wash his or her hands after meals and playing with toys. Hand sanitizers are just as effective as soap and water.
If your child is sick, keep him or her home from daycare, school, the grocery stores and other public places where he or she could spread the infection.
