5 Ways to Prevent the Spread of Flu & Colds
Disclosure: This post on how to prevent the spread of flu has been sponsored by Loblaw. As always, all opinions are my own.
We had an unhappy boy at our house this past weekend. We were in Calgary for the weekend but he couldn't go and visit his friends because he had a cold. Even though he was disappointed, we knew that staying home was the best bet to prevent the spread of flu and colds. Thankfully, this was just a cold but I am making sure that he understands that when in doubt, stay at home.
So, what are the best ways to prevent the spread of flu and colds?
- Maintain a healthy diet - While this advice is important any time of year, it is vital during flu season. Your body needs to be working at its best to fight off infection. Not sure what you should be eating? Make an appointment with one of the in-store dietitians at Loblaws City Market. You can also read my interview with an in-store dietitian last flu season.
- Get your flu shot! - Your number one way to avoid the flu is to get your flu shot. Depending on how well the vaccine is matched to this year’s common viruses, 70-90 per cent of flu cases can be averted through vaccination. Thankfully, you can pop into the pharmacy at any Real Canadian Superstore or Loblaws City Market to get a shot without an appointment!
- Know when to stay home - At our house, we stay home as much as possible with any new cold or flu symptoms. With the flu, you will likely run a fever. Stay home if your temperature passes 100 degrees. Remember you should be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to work or school.
- Keep your body strong - Your body needs certain things to stay healthy. Adequate rest (7-8 hours of sleep per night....turn off the Netflix!), plenty of fluids (at least 8 glasses of water per day), a healthy diet and an active lifestyle (walking is a great option).
- Wash your hands - Make hand washing a habit all day, every day. Germs thrive on hard surfaces, especially at school and work. Washing your hands keeps you from passing those germs to your nose, mouth and eyes which are prime gateways for germs and viruses.
Don't forget to read my 7 Flu Prevention Tips for Fall and 7 Healthy Recipes to Boost Your Vitamins and Minerals to Fight the Flu.
Thank you for the reminder! My husband and I need to get our flu shots ASAP! My son had his but I keep putting it off!
I put it off for a while too. Then I started worrying because flu is going around here now.
We wash our hands and take vitamins.
We make sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer all winter to prevent colds and flus.
My family stays healthy during flu season by getting the flu shot, and washing our hands often, and top up with vitamin C.
We wash hands preferably with soap & water and if that's not convenient we use hand sanitizer. Eating a colorful diet with plenty of fiber is another way of staying healthy in this the season of flu and colds.
We try to get enough sleep, and drink extra vitamin c. Remembering to wash our hands often is crucial to prevent the germs from spreading.
We wash our hands more often
Wash hands alot!, dont touch your face, and stay away from sickies!
We stay healthy by eating a lot of garlic.
We are all about the handwashing and always using tissues.
wash wash and wash those hands
We get the flu shot and practice frequent hand washing.
Take vitamin c, drink tea and honey. Keep warm!
We get our flu shot, take vitamins, and wash our hands often.
The usual ones to help prevent. But I'd also say for us, getting treated for our sleeping disorders (apnea) to get quality sleep. Our home has been pet free since 2013 so our allergies are better (allergies lower immunity). Also, since 2014 or so, we've upped our protein, fruit & veggie intake & lowered our sugar intake big time.
Extra vitamin C
I get plenty of rest during busy times as well as cut down on refined sugars and eat plenty of fruits and veg.
We take plenty of Vitamin C and sometimes echinacea, stay away from people nursing colds and flu aftermath, wash hands a lot and use antibacterial hand products.
we stay healthy by eating healthy, getting lots of rest and washing our hands
Wipe down common surfaces every other day. Get extra rest & drink lots of fluids.