Cold and flu season is upon us and we have some important tips on how to best prepare and stay healthy.
- Get your flu shot at Bethany! Request your appointment now. The use of masks and social distancing contributed to a milder-than-normal cold and flu season in 2020-2021, and with COVID-19 limitations continuing to diminish, being vaccinated is more crucial than ever.The CDC advises that all people aged 6 months and up get a flu vaccine every year because it is safe and effective in preventing illness and reducing the risk of flu-like symptoms. The epidemic is still going strong, and flu-like symptoms require COVID testing and even quarantine at home, which many people would rather avoid.
- Create a cleaning routine. Cold and flu viruses have been shown to live for days on filthy surfaces such as metal, plastic, and wood. Cleaning surfaces and objects around the house is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your family from illness. Create a twice-weekly cleaning program that includes heavily soaking antibacterial, bleach, and hydrogen peroxide solutions on countertops, doorknobs, and TV remotes.
- Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives
Tips on hand washing and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers - It’s a SNAP Toolkit: Handwashingexternal icon
Hand washing resources from the It’s A SNAP program, aimed at preventing school absenteeism by promoting clean hands. From the School Network for Absenteeism Prevention, a collaborative project of the CDC, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the American Cleaning Institute.
- Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
When a person touches something infected with germs and then contacts his or her eyes, nose, or mouth, germs can spread and you could become infected with an illness.
- Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Keep your body moving. Physical activity at a vigorous intensity level at least three times a week, as in the CDC/ACSM recommendation, has a positive effect on sick leave. Keeping your body moving will help you avoid being sick, whether it’s taking a regular stroll during your lunch break, running in the morning, or attending an exercise class with a friend. If you’re new to daily exercise, start small by including 2-3 workouts/activities per week and progressively increase your workouts/activities over time.
- Stock your medicine and food pantry. In preparation for cold and flu season, it’s critical to stock your medication cabinet, but it’s also critical to stock your pantry. When you’re not feeling well, having comfort foods and energy drinks on hand is important for your recovery. Stock up on frozen vegetables, which will feed your body with nutrients when you’re sick, ice pops, which will ease a sore throat, and chicken soup, which will help you get rid of the chills.
