Even though it seems that cold and flu germs everywhere are just waiting to launch an attack on your immune system, there are a number of ways to arm yourself against these invaders. The most effective strategy is to get an annual vaccination, but there are a number of useful tips that will bolster you against a sneak attack from the local bug that’s doing the rounds.
Ventilate the Room
Feeling a case of the sniffles makes you want to go into hibernation, batten down the hatches and turn up the house’s heating. But being in such an enclosed environment only increases your chances of falling ill as virus particles sit in the air, waiting to come into contact with a person and have them fall ill. Opening a window, even though it’s hard to do, allows air to circulate in the house and removes virus-infected particles.
Wash Your Hands
In our busy lives, we aren’t always aware of the things we touch and can go from touching areas with a high germ-load to having lunch without skipping a beat. The best way to get rid of germs on your hands is to lather them with soap and water for at least twenty seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, hand sanitizer with a 60 percent alcohol content or higher is the next best thing. The more frequently you wash your hands, the less likely you are to pick up an infection and spread it around your household.
Get Vaccinated
The flu vaccine is still the most effective means of avoiding contracting the flu virus, and reduces the risk of getting infected by 60 percent on average. The CDC recommends that everyone receive the vaccine annually, as it’s the easiest means to avoid coming down with this particular bug. Getting the flu vaccine is also especially important for those that have a history of kidney disease, asthma, and pneumonia.
Avoid Touching Your Face
Germs are most often introduced to your system through touching a germ-ridden surface and then touching your face. If you find the habit of touching your face hard to break, try sticking a note on your computer screen reminding you to avoid performing this action. Keep an antibacterial hand sanitizer nearby and use it throughout the day. If ever you need to bring your hands into contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly beforehand.
Stick to Your Sleep Schedule
Keeping your immune system healthy requires a regular sleep schedule. Set a regular bedtime and keep to it. Try not to change your bedtime by more than an hour on weekends or it could put your circadian rhythms out of sync. Don’t go to bed more than an hour later than usual or wake up an hour later than on weekdays.
Disinfect Surfaces
Viruses can survive for long times on infected surfaces. They can linger for a few seconds to a few days on non-porous surfaces such as wood, metal and plastic. Disinfectants like hydrogen peroxide, bleach, and alcohol will kill the germs on household surfaces. If you want to know whether a product is sufficiently effective as a disinfectant, look for the registration number on the label’s small print.
Stay Healthy
The healthier you are, the less susceptible you will be to catching the flu virus. Your diet should be high in vitamins and minerals as well as nutritious foods. To maintain optimum health you should also get enough sleep and plenty of exercise. For the most benefit, a healthy lifestyle shouldn’t just be adhered to during flu season, but year-round. The healthier your lifestyle, the less chance you should have of contracting colds and flu.
The best way to steer clear of cold and flu germs is by getting an annual flu vaccine. Apart from this strategy, keeping a safe distance from those that have symptoms and frequently washing your hands is your best chance to keep from contracting flu and keeping colds at bay.