12 Tips to Avoid the Flu & Colds Too!

Colds and flu are caused by viruses spread through direct contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person (direct inhalation, handshake, used tissue, etc.). There is no cure for the common cold or the flu, but you can help yourself feel better by getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids.  Follow your doctor's advice on treating symptoms.

1. Avoid close contact with people who are ill (esp. in crowded areas like elevators).  Turn your head away from someone that is coughing or sneezing.
2. After being in contact with someone who has cold/flu symptoms -  wash your hands.  Don’t touch your face (eyes/ nose/mouth) until you do.
3. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.  Encourage others to do the same.  Keep a box of tissues on your desk.
4. Use disposable tissues instead of cloth handkerchiefs, which can harbor viruses.  Dispose of tissues immediately after use.  Wash your hands after contact with soiled items.
5. Don't share drinks, straws, silverware, dishes or toothbrushes.  Wash items used by cold or flu suffers thoroughly in warm soapy water and thoroughly rinse.  Add ¼ cup household bleach to dish water if desired or use a dishwasher.
6. Avoid smoking and second hand smoke.  Smoke destroys protective cells in the airway, and can make your sore throat worse.
7. Get plenty of rest and exercise.  This includes getting plenty of sleep.  Not getting an adequate amount of sleep can actually depress your immune system.  Our body undergoes immuno-defensive reactions that occur exclusively during sleep.  This is also when muscle and tissue repair occurs.  Most people need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a day to feel well rested and have a healthy immune system.
8. Frequently clean high-touch areas: phones, shared keyboards, doorknobs, etc.
9. Follow a balanced diet.  If your body is healthy it can fight off germs better.
10. Deal with stress.  Stress is believed to depress your immune system, thereby increasing your susceptibly to infections.  Find your “stress buster” (meditation, corny jokes, prayer, etc.).
11. Ask your doctor about flu and pneumococcal vaccines. Vaccination is especially important if you are over 55, immunocompromised or are a healthcare worker.
•  In a 1997 National Health Interview Survey, only 34% of health-care workers reported that they received influenza vaccine.
12. Limit your alcohol intake.  Alcohol suppresses your white blood cells, which fight off bacteria, leaving you susceptible to bacterial pneumonia subsequent to the flu.

Agent: Influenza virus, type A & B
Fever: Standard, up to 104°F (lower in elderly & immunocompromised).
Signs & Symptoms: Abrupt onset of chills, headache, eye pain, muscle aches, malaise, loss of appetite, sore throat, dry cough (often severe and prolonged), profound weariness.
Severity: Lasts approx. 2 - 7 days (some cases with complications can last longer). Causes 20 to 40 thousand deaths each flu season (80% elderly) most often due to complications like pneumonia.

This information is simply my own opinion and is not intended to serve as medical advice.

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Contact the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov for more information.

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