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Friday, September 11, 2009
Hand to Mouth Greatest Virus Transmission Risk
Excerpt from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department press release
According to studies completed at the University of Arizona, Tucson, 80% of flu infections are spread by hand contact, not sneezing and coughing. Studies have shown that children and many adults put their hands in their mouths every few minutes, allowing viruses and other germs to enter the body. So while covering sneezes and coughs is important, hand washing, surface cleaning, limiting unnecessary touching, and keeping fingers out of mouth, nose, and eyes are key steps to preventing the spread of H1N1 and other flu viruses. [full press release is posted on Santa Barbara County's web site: http://www.countyofsb.org/uploadedFiles/pandemic/Press_Releases/H1N1HandTransmission20090909.pdf"].