Ebola is scary, but flu is more deadly in U.S.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — “Ebola is scary, and it is worrisome,” Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Ulder Tillman told the County Council on Tuesday, but she says there’s another, more familiar threat to public health: “In our country, more people will die from the flu than they will from Ebola.”

The good news, Tillman said, is that flu prevention is simple: It starts with soap and water, and a minimum of 20 seconds of vigorous hand-washing. “It can’t be the quick rinse-and-you’re-done. It’s got to be getting all the surfaces, so wash with soap and water for 20 seconds.”

Because the flu can be spread easily (the CDC explains experts believe one of the main ways it’s spread is through droplets expelled when you cough or sneeze), Tillman says it’s important for people to prevent transmission by covering their mouth — but not with their hands. “I emphasize trying to spare your hands when you cough or sneeze. Use a disposable tissue or cough into your sleeve.” If you use disposable tissues, Tillman says, you need to wash your hands afterwards.

Many of us worry that staying home will reflect poorly on our job performance, but Tillman urges people to take time off when sick: “Please, if you have symptoms of the flu, do not try to keep working or going to school.” Tillman says it’s the only way to prevent transmission. At home or at the office, she advises, “Wipe down those frequently touched surfaces,” including doorknobs, telephones and keyboards with a disinfectant made for non-porous surfaces.

How about hand sanitizer? “You need to look at the ingredients,” Tillman said. You want to be sure there’s enough alcohol in the formula for it to be effective — “up to 65 percent alcohol and not less.”

Tillman also says the benefits of hand sanitizers don’t last as long as soap and water. Still, it can help if there’s no way to get to a sink to wash up.

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WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter and on the WTOP Facebook page.

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