7 Tips to Avoid the Cold and Flu
It’s that time of year again! Days are shorter, temperatures are dropping, and it means that cold and flu season is just around the corner. It doesn’t matter who you are, the cold and flu are just around the corner and could strike at any time.
For individuals who are healthy and do not have any chronic conditions, a cold or flu could be a minor inconvenience. However, when a person is immunocompromised, a cold or flu could be harmful, even life threatening.
Here are 7 easy tips to help avoid the cold and flu this season:
Wash hands often: The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. An easy way to time this is by singing the Happy Birthday song two times in a row. Don’t forget to clean under the nails, the back of hands, wrists, and between fingers.
Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs and disease. Here are the most important times to wash your hands:
- After using the restroom
- Before preparing or serving food
- After touching an animal or cleaning up after an animal
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
Exercise regularly: Regular, moderate exercise helps build and maintain a healthy immune system. If you can, try to go outside and exercise. Being outdoors has great benefits for the immune system.
Not only does being outside reduce stress, but it also helps boost your immune system. We know it can be hard when the days are darker earlier but try to get outside if you can.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth: Your eyes, nose, and mouth are gateways to your immune system. Touching them with dirty hands can instantly spread the germs that cause colds and flus.
If you do need to touch your face, make sure to wash your hands before. Also, wash your hands after to ensure you’re not spreading anything if you may be sick.
Clean your home and devices: A regular house cleaning can go a long way when it comes to stopping the spread of germs. Additionally, try to clean doorknobs, handles, light switches, remotes, and anything else that comes in frequent contact with hands or feet.
Stay away from people and avoid crowds if possible: If you are feeling unwell, try to avoid crowds and groups of large people. If your immune system is weak from being sick, you could be vulnerable to other diseases. Also, if you are sick, you want to avoid spreading germs that could make someone else sick.
Also, try to sanitize any devices if you have them. Wiping down a phone, tablet, or laptop with an antibacterial wipe should suffice.
Eat healthy meals and drink liquids: Staying hydrated helps the body perform at its highest level. The same can be said for eating healthy, balanced meals. During cold and flu season, it’s best to make sure you and your family are eating balanced meals with vegetables and protein.
Get the flu vaccine: The easiest way to prevent the flu is by getting your yearly vaccine. Make sure kids stay up to date on their vaccines, this will help keep them healthy in school, daycare, and any other group settings.
There is no surefire way to avoid cold and flu season, but these easy tips can help avoid any sickness that may come your way. We hope you have a nice Fall and enjoy the season as much as you can.
