subject: Flee The Flu--3 Easy Steps To Stay Ahead Of 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.
Here are 3 easy things you can do to make sure you and your family "flee the flu" and stay healthy this flu season. Like so many things in life, consistency is the key.
1. Wash your hands when going from one environment to another. Be sure to use soap and wash with bubbles for at least 30 seconds. 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. An air purifier for the faculty lounge would be a big hit, and would help keep teachers healthy, reduce absences, and result in increased productivity.
At a time when there is great concern about overuse of antibiotics, these are simple, time-proven, greener changes in lifestyle that can make a huge difference.
