According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been over 12,000 deaths from Influenza during the 2019-2020 flu season. While these numbers consist mostly of older individuals rather than teens, it is always important to make sure you are diligent when it comes to preventing the spread of sickness.
Another reason to be careful this flu season is a new threat entirely, Corona. While it does not appear to be a local problem as of now, the possibility of it spreading unchecked is a strong motivation for practicing proper hygiene.
According to the CDC, washing your hands constantly is necessary — not just when you are done using the bathroom, but also when using equipment or items used by many other people, if you sneeze or cough or before eating food. If you cannot get access to a sink, your second option is always hand sanitizer. 
Just be careful not to use hand sanitizer as a replacement for washing hands. Xiaoyan Song, a former epidemiologist and writer for the Children’s National Hospital website, Rise and Shine, states that many types of bacteria are not harmed by hand sanitizer. She goes on to say that hand sanitizer is only an alternative if there is no immediate access to soap and water.
Another important preventative measure is blowing your nose and covering your mouth. Coughing and sneezing are champions of spreading sickness. Not only are you spraying everyone in a cone in front of you with your germs, but you are also coating every surface for someone else to get bacteria from later.
Speaking of dirty surfaces, make sure you wipe down things such as gym equipment or shopping carts if you have the chance. Grocery stores and gyms often provide wipes to do this with, allowing you to prevent yourself and others from spreading germs.
Also, keep in mind you should be getting plenty of sleep, as well as keeping a healthy diet, as these strengthen your immune system. Harvard Health states that a healthy lifestyle is very beneficial to your immune system.
If you think you are sick, do not come to school. Not only are you straining yourself when you should be resting, but you are also spreading your sickness to others and getting them ill too.
Remember, your health and safety should be your top priority this flu season. Spreading sickness is dangerous and reckless. The best way to combat illnesses such as the flu, common cold or Corona is proper hygiene and a healthy dose of caution.
Maxwell Reese, Staff Writer