10 unique ways protecting yourself from colds and flu

With the flu season still in full force, are you doing everything you can to protect yourself and others from getting a cold or flu?  When cooped up indoors all winter around those sneezing and sniffling, challenges us to stay healthy. 

This is especially true on the job.  A University of Arizona study found that when someone is sick in an office, it takes only four hours for surfaces like coffeepot handles, copy-machine buttons and the fridge to show traces of infectious viruses.  Considering that the 2017-2018 flu season is one of the worst on record, it is well worth arming yourself against aches, coughs, fever and misery. 

You may not be able to completely prevent colds and flu this time of year but when good hygiene practices are used to avoid germs, this increases your chances of battling the cold and flu season unscathed.

To enhance your ability to maintain good health this time of year, here are 10 ways of how to lower your risk from catching a bad cold or worse yet, the flu:

1.  Sip tea

A soothing, warm cup of tea can do the trick – breathing in the steam stimulated the cilia, the hair follicle in the nose, to move out germs more efficiently.  Add in some lemon to thin out mucus and a teaspoon of honey for its antibacterial properties.

2.  Increase protein

If you’re skipping on protein, this does no good for your immune system.  Boost immune system power by getting a good protein fix each day.  Diets too low in protein will weaken the immune system cells.  Choose protein-rich foods such as fish, lean beef, eggs, and yogurt. 

3.  Sanitize your office space

Your office may be a harbor of germs.  Think of everything you and others may touch in your office area – computer keys, phone, doorknobs, chair armrests, desk, microwaves, elevator buttons – all can be festering with flu or cold viruses.  During the flu/cold season, at least once a day, wipe everything clean with a strong disinfectant as rhinoviruses can survive on surfaces up to 48 hours.

4.  Slow down on alcohol

Alcohol is known for interfering with sleep quality.  Too many nightcaps can disrupt REM sleep, which is the most restorative part of sleep. In addition, getting a good night’s rest is vital for reinvigorating the immune system, keeping it strong and healthy. 
 

5.  Keep well-hydrated

Long winter months are known for being dry.  To keep nasal passages moist, drink plenty of fluids to help flush out toxins like viruses.  Start your day by drinking a tall glass of lemon juice (squeeze the juice from half of a lemon into water), to give you a boost of vitamin C helping you wage the war against colds and flu. 

6.  Be careful where you put your hands

As much as you can, keep your hands to yourself.  When away from home, avoid touching railings on stairs, water fountains, even picking up pens to write something at a store – bring your own instead!  Any of these items and others can be loaded with flu or cold viruses left by the previous person who touched them.

7.  Double up on sleep

Anytime you can fit in a power nap, do so.  Our bodies need seven to eight hours of sleep in order to stimulate an immune response from our “natural killer cells,” which attack viruses.  Adequate sleep can be one of your most reliable defenses against infection.

8.  Clean your cell phone – often

Probably one of the “dirtiest” things we all use daily is our cell phones.  From pressing it against our face when talking, laying it down on unclean surfaces, or shaking hands with someone and then picking up your cell phone without washing your hands, can all be methods of also picking up a cold or flu virus.  When we press our phones against our face right next to our mouth and nose, viruses have easy access to enter in.  Clean your phone several times throughout the day to wipe off germs and use your speaker phone more often. 

9.  Keep your hands and skin moisturized

Handwashing is crucial in keeping yourself protected from the illness.  But also important is keeping hands and skin well-moisturized.  If you overlook using lotions for your skin, the dryness in the air and the extra handwashing can cause skin to become overly dry, which can allow germs to get in.  So, after washing hands, moisturize them too.

10.  Be careful at the gym

Going to a gym to get in physical activity is a smart way to boost immune functioning, improve circulation, and get your muscles moving.  But be careful – germs are everywhere.  Always use clean, fresh towels, wipe down all equipment before you use them with antibacterial wipes – such as free weights and treadmill or bicycle handlebars. Avoid sitting directly on a mat or bench without first placing a clean towel on it first.