COLD AND FLU TIPS!

The work place is a common area to catch the flu or a cold. Some very simple measures can be taken to minimize your exposure to viruses or passing them on to others.

Plain soap and water is the best method for ridding hands of disease and viruses. Washing your hands with soap and water not only gets rid of the viruses that cause the common cold, but also viruses that cause hepatitis, acute gastroenteritis, and many other illnesses. Physical removal of viruses with soap and water is much more effective because some viruses are hardy and somewhat resistant to disinfectants. Another important fact is that waterless handwipes only remove roughly 50 percent of bacteria.

Hand hygiene agents have been shown to reduce the spread of germs that can cause a number of healthcare infections. Hand washing is an important part of a complete health program that includes a healthy diet, exercise, adequate sleep, and proper immunization. A number of hand hygiene agents are now available with different active ingredients and application methods. Anti-microbial hand washing agents are substantially more effective in reducing bacteria than the alcohol-based handrubs and waterless handwipes.

Hands should be washed frequently and for at least 15 seconds. To help estimate 15 seconds, the suggestion given to children is to sing the kindergarten jingle "Now I Know My ABCs" during hand washing.

If you fit into one of the categories below, it is recommended that you receive a flu shot. (Please check with your doctor before participating in any medical treatment.)

  • Adults 50 years or older.
  • Children aged 6-23 months.
  • People of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as heart or lung disease, transplant recipients, or persons with AIDS).
  • Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season.
  • Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities.
  • Children aged 2-18 years on chronic aspirin therapy.
  • Health-care workers involved in direct patient care.
  • Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of persons in the above-listed high-risk groups.

More tips for getting through the cold and flu season:

  • Avoid touching your face after public contact.
  • Don't stop sneezes and coughs with your hands. Use a tissue, then throw it away.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to keep hydrated and flush out toxins.
  • Get aerobic exercise: it enhances the immune system.
  • Eat highly-colored fruits and vegetables: they're full of disease-fighting phytochemicals.
  • Eat yogurt: its beneficial bacteria boosts the immune system.
  • Don't smoke: it hampers the immune system, dries out the nasal passages, and paralyzes the cilia that clean the respiratory system.
  • Relax and do things you enjoy.
  • Get fresh air. Indoor air can be dry and stale.
  • Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum: it dehydrates you and hampers your liver, which is your primary filtering system.
  • If you feel ill with a cough, runny nose, fever, headache, and/or achy joints: STAY HOME until you're non-contagious!