SACRAMENTO – In an effort to help Californians avoid illness this flu season, State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton and Dr. Howard Backer, chief of the California Department of Health Services’ (CDHS) Immunization Branch, demonstrated proper hand washing today to pre-school students at Washington Children’s Center in West Sacramento.

"Washing hands remains our best defense against catching and spreading the flu," Horton said. "Studies show that washing hands with warm, soapy water prevents the transmission of flu germs and reduces the incidence of respiratory disease. It’s one of the most important steps we can take to keep from getting sick and from passing flu germs on to others." Horton also recommended alcohol-based hand sanitizers when water is unavailable.

Today’s event is part of an effort that includes the distribution of a radio public service announcement to radio stations throughout the state. CDHS collaborated with local health departments, the California Coalition for Childhood Immunization, the California Adult Immunization Coalition and the California Distance Learning Health Network to produce and distribute a hand-washing jingle set to the tune of "Jingle Bells" for use by radio stations and in classrooms. The "Wash Your Hands" jingle, recorded by the U.C. Berkeley Men’s Octet, is available online at www.getimmunizedca.org.

"Influenza can cause serious illness and even death," Backer said.  "Good hand hygiene and common sense can keep us from getting sick and prevent spreading disease to others. This is simple health protection that works." 

Backer also reminded Californians that it is not too late to get a flu shot. "Flu vaccine is still being produced and shipped, so people should check with their provider for availability. Getting a flu shot in December and January is an effective way to protect yourself from getting influenza."

Individuals ages 5 to 49 who are not pregnant and do not have chronic medical conditions are encouraged to obtain FluMist, the nasal spray flu vaccine.

Other ways people can avoid passing germs include:

• Staying home when sick to avoid contact with co-workers and friends.
• Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and properly disposing of used tissues.
• Avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
• Staying healthy by eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, exercising, getting plenty of rest and not smoking.

For information about low- and no-cost flu clinics, consumers should contact their local health department or check with their provider for the availability of flu vaccine. For more information about flu and prevention tips, please visit the CDHS Web site at www.dhs.ca.gov.

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