Prevention Strategies To Keep The Cold And Flu Away

Ahh the fall season is steadily moving on in right before our eyes. Mornings are cooler, leaves are changing color, pumpkin spice coffee creamer is back in grocery stores, and people are beginning to cough and sneeze. Even though we can't help that cold and flu season is upon us, we can try our best to prevent getting sick and/or spreading germs with a few prevention strategies.

School and work are the best places to catch whatever your classmate or coworker has come down with.  We all lead very busy lives, so let's try to prevent getting sick with some easy and helpful strategies:

1. Wash your hands. This is the number one rule in preventing sicknesses. Remember to wash your hands before and after you eat, when you get home from anywhere, after using the restroom, after shaking someone's hand, etc.
2. Never touch your mouth, nose, and eyes without freshly washed hands. It is easy to forget and begin to bite your nails without thinking about how many germs you are putting in your mouth. Once you start becoming extra conscious, it becomes habit to always wash your hands before touching your face.
3. Get adequate sleep and be aware of proper nutrition. A good night's rest works wonders for the immune system. Eating healthy foods such as fish, garlic, citrus fruits, fennel, yogurt and kefir, and green tea contain important vitamins and minerals to ward off viruses.
4. Sanitize your home. Disinfectants such as Lysol and Clorox Wipes should be used to spray furniture and wipe down telephones, remotes, microwave handle, refrigerator, etc.
5. Teach other people in your home to practice the same, prevention strategies.

If you think it might be a tad difficult to practice these prevention strategies, go to your local pharmacy and get the flu shot. Let's stay healthy together!