Tips to Prevent Colds & Flu, Pt 2 - Housekeeping & Personal Hygeine

Here is the second part to my post on preventing colds and flu. This part lists tips about proper hygeine and housekeeping.

*Go for yearly checkups, and take a yearly flu shot, and get other necessary screenings and vaccinations.

*Wash your hands frequently with hot water and antibacterial soap for at least 30 seconds. Be sure to wash after using the restroom and before eating, and wash frequently if you are around sick people or if you are around a lot of school kids. Also, wash up after handling raw meats & after washing dishes & performing other cleaning duties.

*Don’t cover your sneezes and coughs with your hands. This only puts germs on your hands which will then spread to others. Cover your mouth with a tissue instead.

*Avoid touching your face. Viruses enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. Touching their faces is the major way children catch colds, and a key way they pass colds on to their parents.

*Clean your house regularly, including floors, counter tops, toilets, sinks & tubs, and bedding.

*Avoid sharing towels and rags, as this spreads germs.

*Change out dish towels, rags, and sponges regularly.

*Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months, and if anyone is sick replace their toothbrush after they get well, as well as any toothbrushes that are stored nearby.

*When someone is sick, wash their sheets and spray their mattress with Lysol to kill germs. Also, clean and sanitize toys that children play with while they are sick.

*Spray door knobs with Lysol or other antibacterial cleaners, especially if anyone in your home has been sick.

*Use plastic cups & silverware and paper plates while someone in your household is sick, in order to avoid spreading germs.