subject: Keep Flu Away--3 Steps To Take That Will Help You Avoid The Flu [print this page] Now that the windows and doors are shut, the hatches are battened down against the snow and wintry weather; we have created the perfect breeding ground for the flu virus.
Even though there are no guarantees in life, the following three steps will give you and your family more of a chance of staying healthy through flu season this year and every year. But in order for them to work, you and your family must be consistent.
1. Wash your hands when going from one environment to another. Sing the Happy Birthday Song to make sure you have used the soap for the recommended 30 seconds before rinsing. Hand washing is not only important when you return home from shopping, school, or the office, but just as importantly, wash your hands when you go into another environment such as your office, boardroom, school, or preschool.
Make hand washing the first thing you do when you arrive. This prevents you from bringing germs into your new environment.
2. When sneezing or coughing cover your mouth with your arm rather than your hands. This not only keeps a large portion of the germs from being airborne but prevents (had you used your hands) you from spreading the germs with your hands when touching door knobs, computer keyboards, coffee pots, pencils, kitchen utensils, and hundreds of other items.
Share hand washing and arm covering tips with your children, or grandchildren. Make a game out of hand washing, and covering your mouth with your arm. See who can get the most bubbles out of their soap. Invest in some of the liquid soaps that come in all colors. Hand washing will become such a cool thing to do rather than a chore.
Practice covering sneezes and coughs with arms when they are well. Praise them when they do it! Soon it will become a habit for them, and they'll be proud to remind you when you forget.
3. Consider using a medical grade HEPA air purifier in your home to remove the airborne flu-causing viruses and bacteria. A HEPA purifier in your the classroom at school or preschool is another option.
The purifier could move with your child at the end of each year to insure that your child has the cleanest, most germ free classroom in the school. The teachers would love to see your child's name on their roll. Think how much teachers would appreciate breathing pure air in their lounge during lunch and planning time. This could greatly improve their wellness, attendance and productivity.
These pro-active and non-invasive steps should be used as a strong offensive. And obviously, staying well greatly reduces the need for antibiotics, reserving their use only for the worse case scenarios.
