Remember when your mom would tell you to bundle up and stay warm? She was right! Staying warm does help keep colds away. Chilling your body gives it more chance to catch nasty cold germs. It’s all because the blood vessels in your nose constrict and this makes you more vunerable to catching a cold. So, when outside, try to stay as bundled up as possible.
When you sneeze, try not to sneeze into your hand, unless you can wash your hands right away. Otherwise, you will be spreading more germs not only to yourself but also to others you come in contact with.
Stress can also make it easier for your body to catch germs. Exercising even for 10 minutes can help not only to eleviate the stress, but also to help your body fight off germs.
Wash your hands really well, making sure to get under your nails and between your fingers. At least a 30 second wash will help keep those nasty germs at bay. It might be a good idea to keep some hand sanitizer nearby if you are working and can’t get to the bathroom each time to wash your hands. There are now some hand sanitizers with hand lotion mixed in. I know some people who carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer in their purses or briefcases in case they need it. But be careful, because it can dry out the skin on your hands.
Flu shots do help keep the flu from being severe. After you get a shot, it takes 2 weeks for it to take effect. A flu shot reduces your chance of getting the flu 70 to 90 %. Great odds! You can get a lot more information on the flu by going to cdc.gov/flu or calling 1-800-CDC-INFO. This will get you in contact with the Center for Disease Prevention and Control.
There may be some side efffects from a flu shot: soreness at the injection site, low grade fever, achiness. These shouldn’t last longer than 24 to 48 hours. If you are at high risk for the flu, make sure to get your shot as soon as your doctor has the vaccine on hand. Chronic heatlth conditions such as diabetes, asthma, kidney, heart or lung disease, and compromised immune systems warrant a shot. Health care workers and anyone who cares for someone who’s in a high risk category should also get a flu shot.
Remember to keep your hands and fingers away from your face and eyes after you’ve sneezed. This will also help keep the germs away.
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