Keeping Those Cold and Flu Germs out of Your Home
By Donna Stark
Cold and flu season may not be in full swing yet like pumpkin spice season is, but it is never too early to start preparing yourself for what lies ahead! Naturally, you won't be able to avoid all of those nasty germs that are sure to be heading your way (after all, we have to go to work and our kids have to go to school), but you can do something about it! Keep yourself and your loved ones better protected by taking the time now to learn how to properly eliminate those foreign invaders from your home and how to prevent any others from spreading! Take a look.
Attack All Contact Points
The first step in this attack is disinfecting all of the main areas in your home that multiple people touch. These would include the following.
- Doorknobs, handles, or locks
- Light switches
- Stair railings
- Bathroom fixtures
- Refrigerator handles
- Remote controls
- Computer attachments
- Gaming systems
- Toys and art supplies
- Car interiors
During cold and flu season, these items should be cleaned more often than you would any other time of the year. You can use a disinfecting spray, disinfecting cloths, or a handheld steamer to get the job done. Just make sure you clean the item first and then follow the directions on how to disinfect the area.
Be Mindful of Shared Items
Sure, you can usually quarantine a family member to their bedroom if they happen to get sick, but some people may be contagious before they even realize what they are carrying! For this reason, it is important to know how to prevent the spread of germs in your home. Here are some tips to help you do so.
- Wash throw blankets weekly but if someone in your house is coughing or sneezing while using one, wash it immediately
- Launder the bedding of anyone who is sick daily, and the bedding of everyone else, weekly
- Don't allow toothbrushes to come in contact with each other
- Don't share bath or hand towels
- Keep tissues handy so coughs and sneezes can be covered
- Teach your children to wash their hands throughout the day
- Don't share food or drinks
Protecting Your Health With a Clean House
Nobody enjoys or looks forward to the cold and flu season, so stay a step ahead of what it can bring by being proactive now! Keeping your house clean and disinfected before those nasty little bugs attempt to come knocking at your door is a great start and is even something you can do with a delicious pumpkin spice latte in your hand!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Newtown Square, Pa.