How to avoid colds and flu? Let's talk about this!

Did you know that we get colds at least twice a year? Similarly, getting the flu is also very common these days. Just think, when you wake up in the morning, your throat hurts, you feel like sneezing, your body doesn't feel right... It's annoying when you think you're going to get sick again, right? But don't worry. If we are properly informed and take care of a few small things, we can easily avoid these annoying diseases.

Unexpected places where germs hide

Did you know that many of the things we touch every day contain more germs than we think? You'd be surprised if you asked about some of the places.

Your kitchen sink: Did you know that your kitchen sink can have 100,000 times more germs than your bathroom sink? The food particles left behind on the dishes we wash and the moisture make it a haven for germs. So, always clean your sink thoroughly using a good cleaning liquid, such as one that contains bleach.

Wet laundry: Let's say you took your laundry out of the machine. But if the laundry wasn't washed in hot water above 60 degrees Celsius, dangerous bacteria like E.coli, Salmonella , and viruses like Norovirus may remain on it. So, after washing, dry it as soon as possible. Otherwise, you'll have to wash it again. It's especially good if you wash things like underwear separately.

The Toilet: We all know that the bathroom is a place full of germs. But did you know that when you flush a toilet, tiny droplets of water containing germs can be thrown up to 8 feet away? It's unbelievable, isn't it?

Office desk: An average worker touches about 30 different things in 60 minutes. After your phone, your desk is the most germ-filled place in the office. It's no wonder we get sick at the office. So, keep your desk clean and tidy. Stop leaving food scraps and biscuit crumbs on your desk. They are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria.

Money notes: We don't think twice when we go to the store to buy something and pay for it, right? But did you know that an average rupee note can contain about 3,000 types of germs! If possible, using a debit/credit card, or paying with the QR system, is a good way to avoid germs.

Gym: Going to the gym is supposed to keep you healthy, but it's also full of germs. Yoga mats, cardio equipment, and weights can harbor dangerous bacteria like MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) , which are sometimes difficult to control even with antibiotics. So, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after using any equipment.

Let's take a look at these things in summary.

So, how do we protect ourselves from these germs?

Okay, now we know where germs hide. Let's look at some of the simplest things we can do to protect ourselves.

1. First of all, wash your hands thoroughly!

This is the most important thing. Even though we all say we wash our hands, surveys have shown that only a small percentage of us, about 5%, actually wash our hands properly .

Here's how to wash your hands properly:

• First, wet your hands well.
• Then apply soap and rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds , lathering up well. Make sure to rub your hands thoroughly, including your palms, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Then rinse well with water and dry with a clean towel.
• When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer .

In particular, be sure to wash your hands after visiting a crowded place (bus, train, supermarket), before eating, and after using the toilet.

2. Get the Flu Vaccine

Although there is no vaccine for the common cold, it is important to get the flu vaccine every year to prevent influenza. This vaccine protects you against the strains of flu viruses that experts predict will be most prevalent that year. It also helps to reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do get the flu.

3. Stay away from sick people.

Cold and flu viruses spread from person to person through the air. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, tiny droplets from their mouth and nose can travel up to 6 feet. So if you have a friend or family member who has a cold, it's wise to stay as far away from them as possible.

4. Also think about the cleanliness of your home.

If someone in your household has a fever, keep the towel they use separate. Keep a separate handkerchief for others to use. It is even better to use paper towels if possible. Also, if the air in your home is very dry (especially in AC rooms), viruses can stay in the air for a longer time. It is a good idea to add a little moisture to the air by keeping a small bowl of water in the room.

5. Stop touching your face unnecessarily.

We unknowingly touch our face, eyes, nose, and mouth about a hundred times a day. These are the main gateways for germs on our hands to enter our bodies. So, try to break the habit of touching your face unnecessarily . This will make a big difference.

6. Boost your body's immunity

Ultimately, the most important thing is to keep your immune system strong so that even if germs enter your body, your body can fight them off and stay healthy.

• Get enough sleep .
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
• Exercise daily.
• If you smoke, this is the best time to quit , as smoking can make cold and flu symptoms worse.

If you make these simple things a habit, you can avoid these diseases and stay healthy and happy.

Cold, flu, germs, hand washing, immunity, flu vaccine, healthy living