Fight a Cold or the Flu with Five Stay-Healthy Tips

It’s that time of year again when a trip to the supermarket or the office can mean exposure to all forms of colds, bacteria, germs, and other illnesses. You’ve got your flu shot, but now what? Each year, new viruses attack our immune systems, which means that even the flu shot isn’t 100% foolproof. To learn more about what new and specific health challenges concern us this holiday, check out the CDC website on the 2016-2017 flu season.

The flu shot also does nothing to prevent the common cold. Colds, while minor, can still put a damper on your productivity…and make you feel miserable for days to come. Other than dodging the office plague bearer or isolating yourself in a germ-proof room, there are a few things you can do to avoid falling under the weather. Keep the spring in your step with these 5 cold and flu fighting tips to staying well:

1. Wash your hands.

You’ve probably heard this time and again, but the truth never gets old. According to the CDC, there are five steps to clean hands – wet, lather, scrub, rinse, dry. 20 seconds under hot water is what it takes to get rid of most germs. Pump soap is best – bar soap can harbor bacteria. And air drying or paper towels are better than hand towels, which can redistribute germs to your freshly clean skin.

2. Take time to relax.

According to experts, stress can make you more susceptible to illness. This means that before you start to feel unwell, take time and unwind. Make it a habit to read a book, listen to music, or take your dog for a walk, each and every day. Also be sure to get plenty of sleep. Rest allows your body to devote energy to fighting off infection, rather than battling a poor mood. One study found that anything less than 7 hours was a fast track to sickness. Recharge, and you’ll feel better all around.

3. Win the battle with a food fight.

Use food to fight colds. There are many recommendations about what to eat when you’re trying to avoid a cold – from chicken soup to chewing garlic and eating more citrus. The best thing you can do is make sure your body has the energy to power its immune system. Protein rich foods, and those high in vitamins and antioxidants, will give you the best boost. For more advice on cold-defeating superfoods, check out this article from Everyday Health.

4. Exercise makes the heart pump.

And something about the heart pumping really improves immunity, say the experts at WebMD. However, if you are already sick, you should avoid overexerting yourself. Conserve your energy for healing instead.

5. Keep a clean home…and office.

Sometimes it’s as simple as wiping down your desk with pre-moistened wipes, or using Lysol to clean your bathroom. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best results.

All told, a little cold is manageable, but communicable diseases like MRSA and C. diff are nothing to sneeze at. If your family is combating a more serious situation, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional biohazard cleanup crew, like the technicians at Aftermath Services LLC. Teams of cleanup specialists are available nationwide. Call 877-872-4439 for further information, or check out our services page online.