Wondering How to Prevent the Flu? Every day Tips for a Healthy, Flu-Free Winter

Winter is here, and with it comes cold and flu season. The best thing you can do to beat the flu is get vaccinated each year. However, even if you get a flu shot, you should still practice these healthy habits and preventative measures to avoid getting sick with the flu this season.

Flu Prevention Tips

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you become sick yourself, try to stay away from others to prevent them from becoming unwell too. Stay home from work/school if you are sick.
• Always cover your mouth and nose with your elbow, or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. This will prevent germs from spreading, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Whooping cough are spread through coughing, sneezing and unclean hands.
• Wash your hands frequently. Good hand washing techniques will prevent the spread of germs. Use soap and water or an alcohol based gel/hand sanitizer. Click here to find tips on hand washing.
• Germs are often spread when someone touches something contaminated and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth. Avoid touching these areas unnecessarily. If you do, make sure your hands are clean.
• Look after yourself. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work and school, especially if someone is ill.

Steps for Fighting Flu

• See your doctor. They can assess your situation and prescribe the best course of action to take.
• Get plenty of rest. It may be hard if you have flu-like symptoms to get a good night’s rest. Sleep when you can, and try to stay comfortable and relaxed.
• Drink lots of water. This will prevent fluid loss or dehydration. Herbal teas and sports drinks will give you an energy boost, too.
• Stay home. Don’t risk making anyone else unwell. At home, try not to come into close contact with anyone. Stay in your own ‘sick’ room. Use a separate towel, wash cloth etc. Disinfect any surfaces that you come into contact with.

Consider the Air You Breathe

Air quality plays a big role in how often you get sick. Once you get a cold or flu, the quality of the air that you breathe has a big effect on the severity of your symptoms. Poor air quality creates an unwanted breeding ground for:

• Bacteria and viruses
• Airborne germs such as cold and flu viruses
• Mould and dust

It is recommended that you use an air purifier or humidifier indoors during cold season to maintain good air quality and lessen your chances of getting flu.

Contact Appleby Systems for indoor air quality products to help you breathe easy this winter!