It’s that time again! Cold and flu season is here. It’s important to do things to prevent catching a cold or even worse, the flu! The flu and colds usually spread from person to person when we sneeze, cough, or touch things that a sick person just touched.
Try these tips to keep from catching a cold or the flu this season:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating. If you can’t get to a sink, use hand sanitizer that has alcohol in it.
- Limit touching your face. Cold and flu viruses enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Disinfect common areas like tables, phones, door knobs, and light switches. They are touched often by other people and can carry germs.
- Sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your elbow rather than your hands. This keeps other people around you from getting sick.
- Exercise at least 3 times a week. It helps increase your body’s natural virus-killing cells.
- Eat green, red, and yellow veggies and fruits. They have a lot of vitamins that help prevent a cold and the flu.
- Take time to relax each day. When your body is at rest, your immune system makes cells that help fight off germs.
- Avoid physical contact with people who have cold symptoms. If a family member has a cold, limit sharing things like drinking glasses and food utensils.
- Get a flu shot. Call CHN to set up a visit. It’s easy and free! Call 246.8259 to set up a visit.
What should I do if I catch a cold or the flu?
If you catch a cold or the flu stay home! Get lots of rest, drink lots of liquids, and if you must, take medicine from a drug store to help you feel better. Most people who have the flu get better without having to see a doctor. But, if you have a high fever for more than 2 days or have trouble breathing, call your doctor right away!