The CDC says:

This Halloween, don’t let germs make you sick. Take steps to keep the germ monsters away.

Germs can be scary if they make you sick. Follow these tips to protect yourself from the germ monsters this Halloween and all year long.

Halloween and monsters go hand in hand,
Germ monsters are the worst ones in the land,
They make you sick, they make you ill,
But wash your hands, and they run for the hills.

Take steps to prevent the flu.

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year in the fall.

Have a safe and healthy Halloween.

Make Halloween festivities fun, safe, and healthy for trick-or-treaters and party guests.

Get smart about antibiotics.

Using antibiotics when they are not needed causes some bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotic, and therefore stronger and harder to kill. See your doctor or nurse to find out if your illness is bacterial or viral.

Keep food safe.

Follow the basic food safety steps: clean, separate, cook, and chill.

Be prepared for cold weather.

Know how to prevent health problems and what to do if a cold-weather emergency arises.

Wash your hands.

It’s best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. If that’s not possible, use alcohol-based hand rubs.

Disinfect surfaces.

Disinfecting destroys germs, and cleaning removes germs from surfaces. Disinfect after cleaning to get extra protection from germs.

Seal, trap, and clean up to control rodents.

Seal up holes or gaps in your home, and trap any existing rodents. Clean up food, water, and items that might provide shelter for them.

Travel safely.

Pack items you will need to stay healthy on your trip, such as sunscreen, insect repellent, prescription medicines, and basic first-aid items.

Protect your child or yourself during RSV season.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious viral disease that can lead to serious health problems, especially for young children and older adults. To help prevent the spread of RSV, people who have cold-like symptoms should cover their mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing, wash their hands often with soap and water for 15–20 seconds, avoid sharing cups and eating utensils with others, and refrain from kissing others.

Keep your pets healthy.

Some animals may carry germs that can be spread to people. By keeping your pet healthy, you keep yourself and your family healthy.

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