Flu has swept all across the nation, one of the worst seasons in years. If you haven’t gotten it yet, you may be in the clear, but there are some precautions you can take to avoid catching a cold or the flu.
- Wash your hands: You see the signs in restaurant bathrooms, but washing your hands really is one of the best way to avoid spreading diseases. Cold water alone won’t do the trick, though. If possible, use warm running water and soap. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds and rince thoroughly.
- Get a flu shot: You may experience mild flu-like symptoms, but chances are it’ll save you being laid up for a week or more.
- Stock up: Especially if you live alone, stock up before disease hits. Keep basic cold and flu medications on hand along with soup, soap, thermometer, tissues, and tea.
- Only take meds for the symptoms you have: If you have a runny nose, don’t take syrup with a decongestant, cough suppressant, and fever reducer. Read labels closely to make sure you treat what you’ve got.
- Skip the antibiotics: Colds and flus are caused by viruses, antibiotics won’t help and could actually hurt you in the long run.
- Stay hydrated: Your mother probably told you to drink your fluids, and it’s still true. Dehydration can cause a host of other issues. Stick to water, tea, and juice rather than soda or alcohol.
If you are feeling sick, stay home and rest. No one likes to get a cold of the flu, but chances are they like it less when they know they caught it from a friend or coworker.
