Natural Ways to Prevent Colds and Flu

[caption id="attachment_7688" align="alignleft" width="320"] Germs image from FreeDigitalPhotos.net.[/caption] Whether you run a busy company or a large family, you can't afford the cold or flu which could slow you down for weeks. Getting a flu shot can certainly help, but there are easy, natural ways to prevent colds and flu. Wash Your Hands Colds and flu are viruses that are easily spread by contact. Just being out in public puts you in a compromised situation where it's impossible to avoid sick people. Any person with a cold or flu who sneezes into their hands then touches an object puts you at risk. If you touch that object, even hours later, you can pick up the germs. To stay healthy, wash your hands often. If you can't access a sink with soap and water, use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol. Don't Touch Your Face You can't avoid touches things when you're out in public places, at work or at home, but you can avoid touching your face. Cold and flu viruses enter your body through your eyes, nose and mouth, so keeping your hands off your face offers prevention. If you have kids, teach them to avoid touching their face as much as possible, especially at school where germs can spread quickly. Don't Sneeze or Cough Into Your Hands Although your mom taught you to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, it's better to use a tissue. Viruses cling to your bare hands, so sneezing and coughing into them can easily spread germs. If you need to sneeze or cough, use a tissue then throw it away. If you don't have any tissues with you, sneeze or cough into the inside of your elbow, an area that's not likely to come in contact with people or objects around you. Avoid Cigarettes and Alcohol Cigarettes and alcohol negatively affects your immune system, your body's natural defense against germs. Smokers get more colds that non-smokers because smoke dries out the nose passages and cilia, the tiny hairs that line the nose and lungs and work to filter out germs. Health studies show that one cigarette can prevent cilia from working up to 40 minutes. Alcohol curbs your immune system and dehydrates your body which can make you twice as likely to pick up germs and infections. To learn more about cold and flu prevention and ways to stay healthy, contact us today.