MDG helps prevent infection Published Dec. 5, 2006 By Airman Sylvia Ransom 71st Medical Operations Squadron Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- As the seasons change, people are exposed to many infectious elements that may be the cause of a not-so-healthy day. Not only is it fall, the influenza season is rapidly approaching. Infection prevention week was Monday through today. As a part of community education, the 71st Medical Group conducted infection prevention activities with the child development center and Eisenhower Elementary School children through the week. Hand washing techniques, including how to minimize the spread of germs, were demonstrated with hands-on activities and educational handouts. Although hand washing is the number one way to stop the spread of infection, there are also other measures of prevention recommended by the Center for Disease Control. n Influenza vaccination nAvoid close contact with infected individuals n Stay at home when sick n Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing n Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth Using the precautions above should lessen the occurrences of active infections or at least shorten one's recovery time. With flu season on its way, remember to wash hands frequently and stay warm as the temperatures drop.