University Park, Pa. -- University Health Services (UHS) plans to visit East Halls and the Hub to promote good hand hygiene during this flu season. The Don't Get Caught Dirty Handed campaign, co-sponsored by Health Promotion and Wellness and Residence Life, will occur in Johnson Commons on Oct. 29, 30, and 31 from 4 - 7 p.m. and in the Hub on Nov. 8 from 11:30 - 1 p.m. At each of the events, students will have the opportunity to participate in activities lead by residence assistants and receive giveaways. These interactive events are open to all students.
Last year, there were over 15,000 visits to UHS to receive care for infectious diseases that can result from poor hand hygiene. Hand washing is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Preventing illness, however, is not the only reason to wash more frequently. In 2004, students reported that colds and flu were one of the highest factors negatively affecting their academic performance, according to American College Health and National College Health.
Don't get caught dirty handed! For more information on how you can stay healthy this flu season, http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/ohpe/handwashing.cfm online.