How to Avoid the Common Cold
By Virginia Laird
Cold and flu season is like an uninvited guest at your dinner party. It forces its way into your home sneakily, then begins to annoy everyone in the house, including other guests. Sadly, it is almost time to be concerned with cold and flu season as it will be upon us in a few short weeks. While experts suggest there is little that can be done to completely avoid falling ill, there are several precautions you can do to help avoid it. Some of these include:
- Wash your hands often
- Keep hand sanitizer with you
- Clean the surfaces of your home and office
- Stay home when you feel ill
Wash Your Hands Often
Healthcare providers always advise patients to wash their hands often. This practice has proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent illness. Throughout the day, you will come in contact with a wide variety of germs. Many of these can be cold or flu germs, among others. Washing can be a great way to flush the harmful bacteria away. It is suggested that you wash your hands after coming into contact with others, touching surfaces (or doorknobs) in the home or office, and always after using the restroom.
Keep Hand Sanitizer with You
Although washing with soap and water is the better choice, hand sanitizer has its purpose. Healthcare providers suggest that carrying sanitizer with you at all times can allow you to get rid of germs when a sink may not be available or convenient.
Clean the Surfaces of Your Home and Office
Because the surfaces of your home and office are what get the most traffic, it is best to clean them a couple of times each day. This can be as simple as using an antibacterial wipe. Following this advice can help you keep the cold and flu germs away from your hands, which could essentially make you ill.
Stay Home When You Feel Ill
While it may be tempting to head in to work to avoid using a sick day, when you feel ill it is best (and most considerate) to stay home. Healthcare experts advise that those who are ill may be more susceptible to getting another illness in addition to the one they already have. Another reason for staying home when you are sick is to avoid passing your germs to others. Keep in mind that passing your illness to other adults at work is the same as infecting their small children or elderly family members. Some illnesses can prove to be fatal for these age groups. Do yourself and those you work with a favor and stay home until you are free of fever for at least 24 hours.
Although there is no need to worry too much, it is time to begin putting these tips into practice to help you and your family avoid falling ill with the cold or flu this season.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Asheville, N.C.