For those of you who have been paying attention to the news, you know that this years flu is the worst in decades. Here are some simple precautions anybody can take to try to keep yourself healthy at home.
1) Get a flu shot. It may not prevent getting the flu, but it can lessen the effects if you do get sick.
2) Wash your hands often. This is the single most effective way to prevent spreading the flu germs to others, or to yourself. It's good for those who are already sick, and those who are trying to prevent being sick. Wash in warm water for 20 seconds.
3) Isolate your toothbrush. A lot of families put toothbrushes in a community holder. Segregate a sick family member's toothbrush from others. In a perfect scenario, segregate every body's toothbrushes into their own holder. When the sick family member gets better, replace the toothbrush with a new one.
4) Launder bedding frequently. For people who share a bed, change the pillow cases daily until everybody is healthy again.
5) Launder bath towels frequently and use disposable paper towels in bathrooms for drying hands.
6) Wash dishes on "sanitize" mode if your dishwasher has such a setting. Consider using disposable paper plates and cups if you don't have a dishwasher available.
7) Use disposable antibacterial wipes. Watching television and using other electronic devices is a common way to kill time when you're sick. Use disposable antibacterial wipes to wipe down remotes, keyboards, and other electronic devices handled by infected family members.
8) Empty and clean humidifiers daily. Empty and refill your humidifier daily. Humidifiers are the perfect place for bacteria and germs to breed and flourish then be distributed around the room.
9) Get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated. Whether you are sick, or trying to keep from getting sick, plenty or sleep & staying hydrated is good for your body.
10) Misc:
Try to reduce external stresses. Stress can wear you down and make you more susceptible to getting sick.
Stop or reduce alcohol intake
Increase protein consumption
Take vitamin C, and/or drink more fresh juices
Good luck staying healthy! I hope 2018 has you up and active, and not in bed nursing the influenza.
I love living in Rincon Valley! I've lived here since 1995 and can't imagine living in a better north bay community. Call me today if you're interested in buying a home in Rincon Valley, or if you'd like to list your Rincon Valley home for sale.
- Jim Cheney, Broker
- Saint Francis Property
- Jim@StFrancisProperty.com
- (707) 494-1055
- Rincon Valley - Santa Rosa
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Originally posted on RinconValleyBlog.com
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