Ounce of Prevention Program

Together, CDC and LYSOL created the Ounce of Prevention Program, designed to help families practice effective germ prevention every day.

The easy-to-adopt messages from Ounce of Prevention are:

1. Clean Your Hands Often. Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick and spreading illnesses.

2. Routinely Clean and Disinfect Surfaces. Cleaning with soap, water, and scrubbing removes dirt and most germs. However, using a disinfectant cleaner kills germs, giving even better protection.

3. Handle and Prepare Food Safely.

• Clean hands and surfaces often
• Separate — don't cross-contaminate one food with another
• Cook foods to proper temperatures
• Chill — refrigerate foods promptly

4. Get Immunized. Getting immunizations is easy, low-cost, and saves lives. Make sure you and your kids get the shots suggested by your doctor.

5. Use Antibiotics Appropriately. Antibiotics don't work against viruses such as colds and flu. Unnecessary antibiotics can be harmful. Antibiotics should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

6. Be Careful with Pets. Pets should be routinely cared for by a vet. Babies and children under age 5 should be watched carefully around pets and animals. Always wash hands after touching animals or animal waste.

7. Avoid Contact with Wild Animals. Wild animals can carry deadly diseases and pass them to you and your pets. Keep your house free of wild animals by not leaving any food around. Keep garbage cans sealed.

Ounce of Prevention includes a free downloadable brochure and poster. It also features a custom website for kids, to get them excited about handwashing, safety, and other health topics. Visit Ounce of Prevention for Kids.