Winter is a joyous time but also the season for colds and flu. After the New Year festivities, nothing could be worse than coming down with a fever. Cold and flu germs spread easily by air when someone coughs, sneezes, or even talks and it’s impossible to ward them off easily. However, taking certain steps can help keep you and your family from getting or passing along a cold or flu bug.
- Frequent hand washing: Wash your hands regularly to get rid of germs. Scrubbing your hands at least for 20 second with soap and warm water is the best way to clean your hands. Washing with lots of water will dilute and drain off any germs. Make sure you wash your hands after a handshake too.
- Carry a sanitizer: You can’t expect soap and water to be available always. The best option is to have a hand sanitizer handy. It can be easily carried along and kept in your car, bag or your workspace. Look for a sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol content.
- Stay safe: As both flu and cold are highly contagious conditions, keep a distance from people who are sick. If you do get sick, then try to stay at home until you get better. Make sure that you don’t share your items such as cups or toothbrushes with anyone.
- Clean surfaces: Wipe workspaces or places you touch often such as keyboards, phones, remote controls, door handles, and countertops regularly.
- Limit touching your face: As the most common places for germs to get in are your eyes and nose, try not to touch your face too often.
- Drink plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will flush toxins from the body and keeps the body hydrated. Drinking water will make your eyes and mouth to remain moist and ward off infection causing germs.
- Boost your immune system: Following a healthy lifestyle helps build a strong defense against illness. A nutritious diet and regular exercise can go a long way in strengthening your immune system.
If you happen to catch the flu:
- Drink hot liquids: Having warm liquids helps relieve nasal congestion, prevents dehydration, and eases inflammation in the membranes that line the nose and throat.
- Be careful while coughing or sneezing: Cough or sneeze into a tissue or use the crook of your arm. This way you would be less likely to spread germs around.
