Germs Are Tough
This poster teaches about germs.
Download a print version of this document:
Germs are Tough (PDF)
- Virus can be transferred from dry smooth surface up to 20 minutes after being contaminated.
- Some viruses can travel on droplets through the air.
- E. coli, salmonella and other bacteria can live up to two hours on surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards, and tables.
- Bacteria doubles every 20 minutes.
- Five bacteria in a sandwich at 12:00 noon will total over 10 million by 7 pm. After three days, with no bacteria dying, there would be enough to cover the earth.
- Five bacteria in a sandwich at 12:00 noon will total over 10 million by 7 pm. After three days, with no bacteria dying, there would be enough to cover the earth.
- Microorganisms can build up resistance to drugs (antibiotic resistance) intended to kill them.
- Hot water will not kill bacteria—only temperatures over 140 degrees can kill them.
“Hand Washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection”
Spotlight
Hand Hygiene Print Materials
Signs, posters, brochures, manuals, curricula, and other hand hygiene materials that you can print and use.
Don't Forget to Wash Poster
This simple poster (available in two color options) shows six simple steps to washing hands.
Note:If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Wash your hands with soap and water when your hands are visibly soiled.
Food handlers in restaurants, schools, delis and grocery stores must wash their hands with soap and water before applying hand sanitizers. [Minn Rules Chap. 4626.0070 - 4626.0085] See Hand Hygiene for Food Handlers for more information.
Contact us:
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.