International Infection Prevention Week is from Sunday, October 18 through Saturday, October 24. The purpose of this week is to help remind people about personal and public prevention of infections like the flu, but it is more important than ever with the spread of COVID-19.

There are germs everywhere and we can’t help that, but what we can do is work toward preventing the spread of those germs. This week was originally proclaimed in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, who wanted to help raise awareness and save people’s lives, especially those who have weak immune systems.

Raising awareness for this week is both easy and fun! With kids, it’s always important to teach them to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. One way is telling them to sing a song, often the Happy Birthday song, or any song they like for 20 seconds! Using hand sanitizer when going in and out of a store, and wearing a mask have become common ways to prevent infection over the last several months. Those who are sick or have a weakened immune system can prevent infections simply by staying home and away from potential germs.

If you haven’t done so already, International Infection Prevention Week is a good time to get vaccines or immunization shots as well as a flu shot.

Celebrate this week by staying healthy and encouraging others to do the same. If we all work together, then next year we should have an easier time honoring International Infection Prevention Week.