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:

  1. Wash your hands often, especially before eating. If you can’t get to a sink, use hand sanitizer that has alcohol in it.
  2. Limit touching your face. Cold and flu viruses enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  3. Disinfect common areas like tables, phones, door knobs, and light switches. They are touched often by other people and can carry germs.
  4. Sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your elbow rather than your hands. This keeps other people around you from getting sick.
  5. Exercise at least 3 times a week. It helps increase your body’s natural virus-killing cells.
  6. Eat green, red, and yellow veggies and fruits. They have a lot of vitamins that help prevent a cold and the flu.
  7. Take time to relax each day. When your body is at rest, your immune system makes cells that help fight off germs.
  8. 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.
  9. 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!