How can I protect myself against cold viruses?

September 13th, 2014

Viruses which cause the common cold and flu, known as Coronaviruses, Adenoviruses, Influenza, and Enteroviruses are everywhere.  Here are some tips to protect yourself.

• Wash your hands frequently and properly.  Use soap and warm water.  Make sure to get all surfaces of your hands especially on the fingertips.  Proper hand washing should be 20 seconds long (think about singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).  Dry your hands completely with a clean towel.  There have been some anecdotal evidence that using “hand dryers” in public bathroom may actually introduce more germs onto your hands because the air blowing through may have droplets from the toilet.  It is especially important to wash your hands before eating a meal.  If you are at a restaurant, wash your hands after touching the menu.  Many menus are covered in viruses and bacteria.
• Use hand sanitizer when you are unable to wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your face or mouth.
• Avoid being around people who are ill.  You’d be surprised how many people still go to work when they are sick.  Are they contagious?  Absolutely.
• Maintain a good sleeping schedule.  Your body can fight off most viruses on its own.  You may not even recognize you’ve been infected with a virus.  It is important to make sure your immune system health is at it’s optimal performance.  Adequate sleep is one way your body strengthens its defenses.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.  Antioxidants and minerals can support good immune system health.
• Maintain good air quality.  This includes proper temperature and humidity in your surrounding.  Do your nasal passages feel dry?  Are you sitting in a drafty area?  Irritated nasal passages can make you touch your face more often and allow for easy transmission of viruses into your body.
• Get your Flu shot!  I can’t overemphasize this point.  Flu shots are given starting in September/October each year  Make sure you get it EVERY year as the formula changes and three new strains of the flu are introduced.