8 Things You Need to Know to Stay Healthy This Winter
Headaches, stuffy nose, congestion, coughing, sore throat, body aches…having a cold or flu can really slow you down. How do doctors and nurses stay healthy when surrounded by sick patients? Practice these tips for a healthier winter!
- Don’t touch the T-Zone! – The T-Zone represents your eyes, nose, and mouth. Infection prevention specialist and Founder of the Henry the Hand Foundation, Dr. Will Sawyer campaigns against touching the T-Zone. Touching your face can make you sick by introducing germs to your eyes, nose, and mouth. Visit https://www.henrythehand.com to learn more and download printable resources.
- Cough like an alligator – Cough and sneeze into the bend in your arm not on your hands. Our hands constantly touch surfaces and can spread germs.
- Wash your hands – Wash your hands especially before you eat, after using the restroom, if they appear dirty, and when returning home. Germs can’t make you sick if they don’t get in. Think you know everything about washing your hands? Watch this video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to find out.
- Use hand sanitizer – Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your car, backpack, or desk and don’t bring those germs home with you from being in public. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid temptation – Many times co-workers share food. Avoid the temptation of chowing on a frosted donut, chocolate cookie, or melon ball when they’ve been sitting out for hours. You don’t know how many people have touched or sneezed on them.
- Turn around – If you see someone coughing at school, work or in the grocery aisle, turn around and go the other direction. You can return to that area later when airborne pathogens have settled. According to Science Focus, a BBC magazine, respiratory bugs can live up to 10 minutes suspended in the air we breathe after someone coughs or sneezes. In fact, a cough can launch germs up to six feet and a sneeze can lob the tiny buggers eight feet!
- Get a flu shot – Get a flu shot. According to the Mayo Clinic, it takes up to two weeks for a flu shot to become effective so don’t delay! Although flu shots are not 100% effective, if you still end up with the flu, your illness will be more mild than if you had no protection.
- Disinfect – Spray a disinfectant if someone in your home or office is coughing her head off. However, be mindful of individuals with asthma who could be sensitive to sprays.
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