Do your part to prevent the spread of colds and flu

By KATHY RIGGS
Utah State University
Extension professor
    You may not be able to make it through the winter without getting sick. However, you can do your part to reduce the spread of colds and flu, even during this peak season when we are often indoors without much fresh air circulating.
    The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States alone, there are 1 billion cases of the common cold every year. Add in 5 to 20 percent of the population catching the flu, and that’s a lot of sickness!         There are measures we can take to reduce the spread of illness in homes, schools and the workplace.
    Consider these ideas:
• Clean and wipe down shared surfaces such as countertops, keyboards and phones.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes, and wash hands thoroughly and often.
• Get a flu shot if possible. It is most important for children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
• Eat healthy foods to strengthen your immune system.
• Exercise moderately to maintain a healthy immune system.
• If you are prone to sickness, ask your doctor about vitamin supplements.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Try to avoid people who are sick, and know when to stay home if you are sick.
• Keep hand sanitizer on hand at home, at work and in the car.
    Contain your Sneeze and Cough:
    If you do get sick but not sick enough to stay home in bed, be considerate of those you will be around at work, in the grocery store, at school, etc. Water droplets expelled as a sneeze or cough can be propelled 5 feet or more.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.
• Use a clean tissue when you sneeze or have a runny nose. Toss used tissues in the trash.
• If you cannot find a tissue quickly, sneeze into your sleeve.
• Do not sneeze into your hands!
• Even if you catch your sneeze or cough with a tissue, wash your hands thoroughly after with soap and water.
    Use Over-the-counter Medicines Appropriately:
• If you choose to reduce symptoms so you can function at home or work, be informed regarding possible side effects and use medicine only as directed.         For advice choosing over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu medicines, you may also get good basic information online from reliable sources.
    “Should I take a decongestant or an antihistamine?” or “What’s best for my sore throat?”
    Even though you may not be experiencing full symptoms while taking OTC medicines, you may still be contagious. Don’t be fooled into complacency and forget your responsibility to prevent spreading germs.