Helpful Tips for Avoiding Colds and Flu

Cold and flu season is here; and none of us want to be sick. So, what do we do to avoid those nasty germs that seem to be lurking everywhere? We compiled some common sense tips that will help you stay healthy.

Wash your hands. Let’s say that again. WASH YOUR HANDS! This is one of the best tips that we can give you. Wash your hands often throughout the day. Don’t just give your hands a quick rinse under the faucet. Using warm water and soap and washing for at least twenty seconds will kill germs. If you can’t wash your hands, then use hand sanitizer. Keeping a small spray bottle of alcohol in your purse or your car is another helpful hint. Every time you return to your car take a moment to liberally spray your hands with alcohol. Follow with moisturizer if they get too dry.

Even with lots of washing, hands are still germ breeding grounds. Avoid putting your hands near your mouth or nose. This may take some effort on your part to break a habit; but getting through cold and flu season without getting sick will make the effort more than worthwhile. Of course, if you are sick and are coughing or sneezing be sure and cover your mouth so that you aren’t spreading your germs. After a cough or sneeze is the perfect time for a good hand washing.

We all know work and public places are probably the best places to pick up germs that cause all kinds of nasty viruses. At work, don’t handle door knobs, keyboards, telephones, files, or anything else that is unnecessary. While shopping, avoid touching anything that you don’t need to touch. If you visit a public bathroom, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet after washing your hands. Also, use a paper towel to open the bathroom door to get out. If you need to sign paperwork use your own pen, not one provided by a coworker or clerk. If you bring your lunch to work or eat out, try and have something that is eaten with a spoon or fork rather than your hands. If you do eat a sandwich wrap it in a napkin.

If you come in contact with someone you suspect has a cold or the flu be sure and wash your hands or use a sanitizer as soon as possible. If someone at home gets sick wipe down all the surfaces they come in contact with using a disinfectant cleaner or alcohol. Wash pillows and bedding they have used. More hand washing is in order, too!

To read other tips for staying healthy in the cold and flu season, check out “Preventing Cold & Flu: How Doctors Keep Germs at Bay”. Be well!