I woke up this morning with a dryness in my throat and a congested nose reminding me that it is that magical fall time of year that ushers in the cold and flu season. Both the cold and flu are respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. A virus enters the body and invades cells resulting in illness. A cold is generally milder than a flu. And it is very important to understand that antibiotics are not effective against viruses. They are effective for use on bacterial infection.
The best way to deal with a cold or flu is to avoid getting them in the first place. There are several things you can do to help decrease your risk of getting a cold or flu by boosting your immune system including exercising, eating well, and getting plenty of sleep. An annual flu vaccine is the surest way to prevent the flu and the best time to get the vaccine is October through November.
Other prevention activities to help curb the spread of viruses are to wash your hands often, avoid close contact with others who may be sick, stay home if you are sick, cover your mouth and or nose when sneezing or coughing, and watch where you put your hands such as rubbing your eyes or rubbing your nose. It will also help if you keep homes and work places clean.
Washing hands with warm water and soap is a fine way to ensure hands are clean. While washing the hands rub them together for at least 20 seconds to help eliminate germs. Be sure to get under the nails, between fingers, and up the wrists. You should also use a clean paper towel to turn off faucets or to touch surfaces such as handles or door knobs after your hands have been washed. If soap and water are not available, instant hand sanitizers are a handy and efficient way to clean your hands. They utilize alcohol or other antiseptics to kill germs and come in sizes that can be easily carried in case, purse, pocket or car.
Keeping house and office surfaces clean and disinfected will also help minimize risks of transmitting germs. Be sure to clean any surfaces that is used and touched by people frequently, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Keep the office clean will have similar if not more challenges including keeping keyboards, phones, and seating and desktops and other shared surfaces disinfected. There are many options available for surface disinfection including sprays and wipes. Wipes for surface disinfection are not the same as wipes used for skin cleaning and should be applied while wearing barrier protection gloves made of vinyl or nitrile.
Practicing cold and flu prevention also includes social distancing in which you allow extra space between you and people who are sick, sneezing or coughing.
The CDC Says to “Take 3” Actions to Fight the Flu. Click here to go to the full CDC article with complete details. Here is a summary of these actions:
- Take time to get the flu vaccine
- Take everyday preventative actions to stop the spread of germs
- Take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them (these are different than antibiotics)
Remember that staying healthy this cold and flu season will benefit you and all of those around you. Keeping general health and cleanliness guidelines in mind will help control the germs and viruses you come in contact with that can cause illness.
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