As the end of the year approaches and the cold weather sweeps its way to our doors, it is especially important to practice good hygiene and take steps to keep yourself and those around you free of illness.
In this blog, East Ohio College (EOC) offers ten tips to help you prevent sickness this cold and flu season!
Get The Flu Shot
While the flu vaccine is somewhat controversial, it is proven to be a solid defense against certain strains of the influenza virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, getting the flu vaccine reduces the number of flu-related medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths each year. Getting the flu vaccine also builds herd immunity to the virus, which helps the general public avoid getting sick.
The flu shot is typically very easily accessible and is usually offered at grocery stores, pharmacies, and doctor’s offices. To find a location where you can get the flu vaccine near you, enter your zip code into this online vaccine finder.
Wash Your Hands
One of the most basic ways to reduce the potential of sickness during this cold and flu season is to practice good hygiene by washing your hands often and thoroughly. You should vigorously wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to eliminate any germs on your hands.
You should wash your hands before treating a wound, preparing food, inserting contact lenses, and after using the bathroom, changing a child’s diaper, handling garbage, blowing your nose, touching an animal, touching high-traffic areas, or any time they are visibly dirty.
Sanitize Frequently
Because of the colder, inviting weather, many people spend more time inside during cold and flu season. This leads to more frequent contact in close quarters with people potentially carrying illness. During this time, it is crucial to disinfect frequently touched areas such as bathrooms, light switches, kitchens, door knobs, stair railings, remotes, and other high-traffic areas often.
A disinfectant cleaning solution in these areas at least once daily can help reduce the spread of illness-causing germs. Be sure to read the instructions on your chosen cleaning solution, as many disinfectant cleaners require the produce to sit on a surface for a specific amount of time to work correctly.
Take Vitamins
While cold weather does not directly lead to sickness, as many believe, it can weaken an individual’s immune system. Taking supplemental vitamins during cold and flu season can help prevent this weakening, which can make a person more susceptible to getting sick. By taking a multivitamin or individual vitamins, you can ensure that your body gets the vitamins and minerals that may be lacking during the wintertime.
Some of the most common beneficial vitamins that individuals can take during winter are Vitamin D and C, Zinc, B Vitamins, Omega 3, and Iron. Before starting a vitamin regimen, consult a doctor or conduct your own research to determine what vitamins meet your specific needs.
Cover Your Cough And Sneeze
Another easy way to prevent the spread of harmful germs is to cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing. Using a disposable tissue is the best method for stopping germs from becoming airborne, but if tissue is unavailable, using the crook of your elbow is a solid second option. Always wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer after sneezing or coughing.
Stay Home If Feeling Ill
If you feel sick, you should not go out in public and risk spreading your illness. Instead, stay home to give yourself time to rest and recover. If you must go into a store or another public place, wear a medical-grade face mask and keep your trip short. The cold and flu are most contagious within the first three days of infection and are easily spread.
Get Enough Sleep
According to the Mayo Clinic, sleep is a significant factor in how well your body can prevent illness and recover. Individuals who do not get the recommended amount of sleep can be more susceptible to picking up a virus and getting sick.
Most adults require eight or more hours of sleep each night; however, if illness strikes, many adults need more rest while their bodies work hard to recover from the infection. Listen to your body; you should oblige if you need more rest!
Stock Up On Sick Day Essentials
If you start to feel under the weather, having a stockpile of sick-day supplies can help you avoid going out in public and make you feel more comfortable at home. Keeping essentials such as over-the-counter medication, cough drops, soup, hydrating drinks, tissues, tea, and anything else that helps you get through illness at home is an excellent idea during cold and flu season.
Get Fresh Air and Sunlight
The colder, darker winter months can be more difficult for some individuals. About 5% of the population experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) caused by seasonal changes resulting in less daylight. One way to prevent the effects of SAD is to go outside during daylight hours each day during the winter. Along with combating seasonal challenges, fresh air and sunshine can help boost the immune system, thus helping the body prevent and recover from illness.
Exercise Often
While motivating yourself to exercise during the winter may be more challenging, it is a great time to lace up your running shoes or hit the gym. Not only does working out in the winter help boost the immune system, but it also allows the body to burn more calories to stay warm. This can increase calories burned during a session and improve cardiovascular health.
The phrase “Sweat out the sickness ” also holds true. While recovering from a cold, light exercise such as jogging or walking can help the body generate antibodies to fight the illness and build immunity to the specific infection.
East Ohio College Is Here For You!
Now that you understand how to keep yourself and those around you well during cold and flu season, consider a healthcare career where you can share your knowledge with those who are feeling ill or are recovering from an infection.
EOC is here to help set you on the path to a healthcare career. With online programs in allied healthcare and nursing, you could be on the healthcare front lines in two years or less. Get started on your new career path today by requesting information to contact East Ohio College!