Cold and flu season is upon us and Dr. Virginia Caine, director of the Marion County Public Health Department, says that colds and the flu can be circumvented.
“I can’t say that it’s 100 percent, but in the majority of cases, cold and flu can be avoided,” she said.
Cold and flu are caused by viruses, which can easily be passed from person to person or surface to surface. Coughing, sneezing, a runny nose and a sore throat characterize colds. The flu can have similar symptoms, but is more severe in addition to fever, chills, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. Cold and flu symptoms last three to 10 days
Caine believes that hand washing and a flu shot are the best ways to avoid illness, but here are other tips to stay cold and flu free this winter season:
n Wash often – using hot water and soap, wash hands for at least 20 seconds. Remember to scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands and under your fingernails. When soap and water is not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
n Dirty bars – Bar soap can sometimes carry germs so use soap from a pump.
n Hands off – your eyes and nose are the perfect gateways for germs, keep your hands away from your face.
n Get some zzz’s – when you’re tired, your body doesn’t work as hard to fight off illness. Get plenty of rest.
n Change the scenery – winter air is dry and may contain circulating germs. Caine suggests getting outdoors often.
n Stay away – keep your distance from people who exhibit signs of cold and/or flu.
n No sharing – encourage your family to resist the urge to share items like cups and forks.
n Get healthy – regularly working out and eating healthy can boost your immune system to help fight illness.
n Create a crook – never sneeze in your hands – sneeze in the crook of your arm.
n Get some extra help – Vitamin C was not found to significantly impact a cold, however, taking zinc, eating chicken noodle soup and drinking hot tea had some benefits.
n Wipe it down – regularly sanitize door handles, car steering wheels, toys, computer keyboards, pens, women’s purses, light switches – any common surface in the home/workplace.
n Get vaccinated – flu shots are readily available in Marion County. Keep in mind, it takes about two weeks for a flu shot to be effective and the body is still vulnerable during that time.
Already sick?
n Solitary confinement – If you are sick, stay home from work/school.
n Drink plenty of fluids – dehydration can occur especially if you are running a fever or vomiting.
n Do not recycle – always use a clean tissue when coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
n It’s getting hot in here – exposing the body to steam, such as taking a steam bath or leaning over a bowl of hot water, could help loosen mucus.
n Watch your symptoms – if you feel yourself getting worse; have a fever above 101.5F; coughing up thick, green mucus; have bloody sputum; have chest pain or are short of breath; continuous vomiting; or have shaking chills, contact your doctor.
