Respiratory infections such as colds, coughs and the flu, affect the nose, throat and lungs. The germs (viruses and bacteria) that can cause these infections are spread person-to-person in the air or by physical contact. Tips to help prevent spreading germs or avoiding catching someone else's germs include:

Keep your germs to yourself:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your arm.
• Throw out used tissues in the trash as soon as you can.
• Always wash your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose, coughing, or after touching used tissues or handkerchiefs. Also wash often if you are sick.
• Use warm water and soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers to wash your hands.
• Try to stay home if you have a cough or fever.
• See your doctor as soon as you can if you are feeling ill and follow their instructions.
• Do NOT share personal items, such as cigarettes, towels, lipstick, or anything that may be contaminated with respiratory germs.
• Do NOT share food, utensils, or beverage containers with others.
• Keep your immunizations current.

If you don't have insurance, NACO provides an easily printable discount card specified for a program in your area. Just visit this website http://nacorx.org/ to print your discount prescription card.

Zika Virus Resources

• Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Additional Resources

Ebola Factsheet (PDF)
Is it Flu or Ebola?
Bacterial Meningitis 
Viral Meningitis
West Nile Virus
Chickenpox
Staph
Hantavirus
Hepatitis
Mump
Pertussis
Poison Control
CDC Outbreak Information
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)