Keeping Your Home Free of the Flu and Cold
Preventing the Flu and Common Cold
While people often confuse the two as both are respiratory illnesses, the common cold and the flu are different viruses. The symptoms of a cold are generally much milder than those of the flu. A runny nose and a stuffy head are the most common. On the other hand, the flu, or influenza virus, comes with fever, vomiting, muscles aches, and fatigue. While the common cold is usually just an annoyance, the flu can leave a person out of commission for a bit. Here are some tips to keep your home flu and cold-free.
How to Avoid the Flu and the Common Cold
One of the best things you can do to avoid getting the flu is to get vaccinated. While it doesn’t offer 100% protection, the vaccine prevents millions of illnesses every year. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated every year as your best course of action against catching the flu. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for the common cold. However, there are a few things you can do to cut down your risk of catching a cold.
Like we’ve all heard with coronavirus, washing your hands regularly can go a long way in preventing a cold. You should also be regularly cleaning and disinfecting your home. You can also boost your immune system by getting enough sleep and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
How to Keep the Cold and Flu from Spreading
While these tips can help prevent a cold or the flu, sometimes illness is unavoidable. In the event of illness, there are steps you can take to keep from spreading it. Again, wash your hands with warm soap and water regularly and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Use a tissue when you sneeze or cough and dispose of it immediately.
Wash your dishes immediately after use to help avoid spreading the cold or flu around the house. You should also avoid contact with family members, including sharing items like towels and utensils. Finally, remember that flu and cold viruses can live on surfaces for up to two days, so clean and disinfect often.
