Health & Fitness
Easy Ways To Avoid Getting Sick This Season
With everything from the common cold to the coronavirus going around recently, these simple steps can help prevent you from getting sick.
As winter drags on, we're all doing our best not to get sick. It used to just be the common cold and flu we had to worry about, but these days, the new coronavirus has the world on edge.
It seems scary (and it is), but you don't need to panic. Experts agree you can do a number of things to protect yourself and stay healthy all season long.
Please note: This site does not provide medical advice. All content presented here is for informational purposes only. If you have a question or concern regarding your health, always seek guidance from a qualified health provider.
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1. Keep your hands clean.
Proper hand hygiene is key to preventing the spread of infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
When you don't have access to soap and water, using a hand sanitizer can help you avoid getting sick. Purell makes conveniently sized 1-ounce sanitizers you can clip on to your keychain or carry in your purse.
You can also protect yourself by using sanitizing wipes to disinfect commonly touched surfaces such as light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, and armrests and seat trays on planes. Lysol sells a multi-pack of travel-size disinfecting wipes that kill 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria.
2. Be proactive with your health.
Talk to your health care provider about what exams and screenings you need to get. Stay up to date on all recommended vaccinations, particularly if you plan to travel. The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older with rare exception. If you're unsure whether you should be vaccinated, ask your health care provider.
Eating a healthy diet, getting adequate rest and managing stress can also help prevent you from getting sick.
3. Take preventative action when those around you get sick.
In other words, don't just ignore your coughing co-worker or sneezy family member. Dr. Christopher Kelly and Dr. Marc Eisenberg, authors of "AM I DYING?!: A Complete Guide To Your Symptoms and What To Do Next," recommend taking immediate action if you love or work with someone who has symptoms. Disinfect surfaces often, and encourage the person to stay home and possibly wear a mask when they go out.
Related: How Worried Should You Be About The New Coronavirus?
4. Maintain the proper humidity levels in your home.
Cold, dry air can leave us with dry sinuses, scratchy throats and cracked lips. A humidifier adds much-needed moisture back to the air, and it can help to relieve congestion, cough symptoms and even some allergy symptoms.
When purchasing a humidifier, make sure to choose a model that's easy to clean. We recommend Honeywell's cool mist humidifier: a large, evaporative humidifier that emits virtually germ-free moisture.
The Honeywell cool mist humidifier uses a patented ultraviolet light technology to kill up to 99.99 percent of bacteria, mold, fungus and viruses in the water. When you use it, you can breathe better — literally.
Related: Cold Weather Skin Tips From A Dermatologist
5. Seek medical attention when needed.
(If you have a medical emergency, call 911.)
When you're sick, it can sometimes be difficult to decide whether you need to see a doctor or your symptoms will go away on their own. FamilyDoctor.org, a website providing trusted medical advice from the American Academy of Family Physicians, recommends calling your doctor if you're unsure. He or she, or a nurse in the office, can tell you if you should make an appointment.
For non-urgent questions about symptoms you may be experiencing, Dr. Kelly and Dr. Eisenberg's book "AM I DYING?" may have the answers you need.
This witty, comprehensive book has answers to common medical questions and provides trustworthy advice on the next steps you should take on your wellness journey.
Sources:
CDC: Coronavirus
CDC: Who Needs A Flu Vaccine And When?
Coronavirus: How Worried Should You Be?
FamilyDoctor.org: Deciding When To See A Doctor
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