With winter in full swing, Navy Region Northwest’s medical facilities are inundated with patients suffering from viral syndromes.

Runny noses, hacking coughs, and lost man-hours are the modus operandi of these respiratory infections.  They include influenza (the “flu"), colds, pertussis (whooping cough), and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Germs (viruses and bacteria) that cause these infections are spread from person-to-person in droplets from the nose, throat, and lungs of someone who’s sick.

While it’s impossible for servicemembers to shield themselves completely from these microorganisms, the following preventative measures may help reduce their risk of getting the sniffles as well as a whole lot worse.

- Wash hands before eating or touching eyes, nose, or mouth. Also, wash hands after touching anyone else who is sneezing, coughing, blowing their nose, or whose nose is running. 

- Don’t share things like cigarettes, towels, lipstick, toys, or anything else that might be contaminated with respiratory germs.  Furthermore, don’t share food, utensils or beverage containers with others. For those unfortunate enough to already be sick, practicing the following “respiratory etiquette” may go a long way toward preventing the spread of germs.

- If sick, wash hands often. Use warm water and soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

- Remember to cover nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing, or blowing nose. Ensure tissue is discarded immediately after use.

- Always wash hands after sneezing, blowing nose, or coughing of after touching used tissues or handkerchiefs.

- If suffering from a cough or fever, stay home.

- See a doctor as soon as possible and follow instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed and get lots of rest.

Patients should be aware that they might be asked to wear a facemask while sitting in hospital or clinic waiting rooms.  This is to safeguard fellow patients and staff from germs.

For more information respiratory etiquette, contact Naval Station Everett’s Branch Medical Clinic Environmental Health officer, Lt.j.g. Melissa Rivera at (425)304-4124.