Seasonal Cold and Flu – How to avoid these irritants

Simple steps on how to avoid these irritants

With change in seasons, we often experience cold, fever and flu. While these are not conditions that are difficult to recover from, they do lead to unwanted down time and loss of productivity. As cold weather begins to set in, viruses that cause cold and flu become more active. It has been observed that on an average, an adult contact common cold 2-3 times a year while children may suffer from it 4-7 times a year. While simple medication and rest and help recover from cold and flu in 7 to 10 days, there are certain simple precautions that can be taken in order to reduce the risk of getting affected in the first place. 

Precautions 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Wash them for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Viruses that cause colds can live on your hands, and regular handwashing can help protect you from getting sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Viruses that cause colds can enter your body this way and make you sick.

• Stay away from people who are sick. Sick people can spread viruses that cause the common cold through close contact with others.

• Stay at home while you are sick and keep children out of school or daycare while they are sick.

• Avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands.

• Move away from people before coughing or sneezing.

• Cough and sneeze into a tissue then throw it away, or cough and sneeze into your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose.

• Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as toys, doorknobs, and mobile devices.

Remember, There is no vaccine to protect you against the common cold. 

To feel better, you should get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter medicines may help ease symptoms but will not make your cold go away any faster. Always read the label and use medications as directed. Talk to your doctor before giving your child non-prescription cold medicines, since some medicines contain ingredients that are not recommended for children.