The common cold virus can easily spread from one infected person to another through droplets that enter the air and through close personal contact. You can become infected through contact, or any respiratory secretions from an infected individual. This can occur through contact like shaking hands, hugging, etc., or through touching a surface that an infected individual either touched or respiratory secretions are on like doorknobs or countertop surfaces, and then go ahead and touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. Respiratory secretions are droplets that leave the body through sneezing, coughing, etc.   You can reduce your chances of getting sick from the cold by:   • Wash your hands throughout the day with soap and water. To get the full effect from the soap and water, you need to wash for up to 20 seconds. Usually, if you sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice, that averages out to 20 seconds. If you do not have soap and water available, any alcohol-based hand sanitizer will also work. Regular handwashing helps to protect you and others like children and seniors from getting sick.   • Try not to touch your nose, mouth, or eyes with unwashed hands. Viruses can easily enter your body by your hands if they are not consistently washed throughout the day, which can make you sick. • Stay away from anyone that is sick or showing symptoms of being sick. Sick individuals can easily spread the common cold virus by just being within close contact with others.