Preventing Colds and Flu

Winter seems to be prime time for illness, be it colds or flu. There is no vaccine for the common cold and the flu vaccine, while important may not fight rogue strains of the flu that experts did not expect to see. Should you just sit back and expect to get sick this winter, or can you put up a fight. These tips can help you to stay healthy this winter.

1. Get a Flu Shot
   The Flu vaccine contains protection against the type A and type B flu strains that have been identified as being prevalent in that year. While other strains may emerge the flu shot remains your best bet for staying healthy.
2. Wash Your Hands
   Frequent hand washing can help prevent transmission of illness from infected people. If you shake hands with someone with a cold, who has just wiped his nose or coughed he could transmit that virus to you. A cold virus on your hands can stay alive for up to three hours. If you then touch your eyes or nose you could become infected.
3. Avoid Touching Your Eyes or Nose
   The eyes and nose are the most common routes of entry for flu and cold viruses.
4. Drink Lots of Water
   Dry centrally heated air can promote dehydration. If you become dehydrated you may be more susceptible to illness. Don't substitute alcoholic beverages for water. Alcohol can cause dehydration.
5. Get Enough Sleep
   It is hard to fight infection if you are tired. Try to keep a regular routine at bedtime to help you sleep well.
6. Avoid Airplane Infections
   It always seems that there is at least one person coughing on every airplane flight I have ever taken. The best defense is to keep well hydrated and to use some type of moisturizing spray in your nose. Airplane air is very drying and moist nasal membranes are less likely to become cracked and open to infection.
7. Stay Away From Sick People
   While that may not always be possible it is advisable in many cases, if your immune system is low.
8. Be Cautious at Buffets
   If someone coughs on food or in some other way transmits a virus to food it could then be transmitted to you. Serving utensils, tongs etc. should be readily available for this type of dining.

Simple precautions can make the difference this winter, and for years to come.