The cold and flu season is expected to hit most parts of Texas later this month. And many dentists and hygienists are gearing up to offer special advice to their patients, advice which could help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.News 8’s Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry joins us with details.
Anchor: Welcome back Dr. Niessen.
Dr. Niessen: Thanks Debbie.
Do you know the common ways a cold or flu virus spreads? Do you know the critical role oral hygiene plays? Well, lets take a look.
Cold and flu viruses can spread through physical contact. So it's important to follow common sense rules about sharing anything that touches any part of the mouth, especially in the bathroom. Viruses live longer in a moist environment.
"They live in little drops of water," said Pathologist Dr. Harvey Kessler, "and the water is what carries the virus and makes them infective.”
Family toothbrush holders can cause cross contamination. If brushes touch, viruses can spread.
Dental Hygienist Glenna Johns told us, "There are ways to clean your toothbrush. You can actually put a toothbrush in the dishwasher, just like you do your dishwashing brushes. So that is a good way to clean your toothbrush.”
Talk to your children about sharing tooth brushes. Each child should have a different color to avoid confusion.
Toothbrushes may be soaked with Listerine to reduce the risk of infection.
You may also spray bathroom countertops and sinks with cleaners that contain chlorine bleach, which kills both viruses and bacteria.
Dr. Kessler added, “And anti-bacterial soap should be effective against both bacteria and viruses."
Wash your hands frequently during the cold and flu season with anti-bacterial soap. And…
“Don't ever share your toothbrush. Often times, children in particular might be tempted to use one another's toothbrush. And that should be discouraged," added Hygenist Johns.
And if the flu invades your house, be extra careful with cups, glasses, and tissues,anything that touches the flu patient's mouth or nose.
And finally, if you catch a cold or the flu, stay home. Don't go to work or school until you are well. Once you are ill, you play a critical role in preventing the spread of the infection to
others.
Anchor: Is it too late to get a flu shot?
Dr. Niessen: No, it's not. You can build an immunity to three strains of the virus within 10 days to 2 weeks. So you still can get some protection from a flu shot before the flu season hits
full force.
Anchor: Hand washing, not sharing cups or utensils. What else can people do to avoid catching the flu?
Dr. Niessen: Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes with your hands. Don't shake hands with people, or if you must shake hands , wash them later. You are infected for 48 to72 hours or longer before your symptoms show up. So someone can look perfectly healthy and be infected and contagious.
STORY: FLU & COLD GERMS
SCRIPT #972 Writer: Sara Ivey
AIRDATE: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008
DHC MASTER #21 Timecode:
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