Tips for surviving Cold & Flu season

Unless you live in a bubble or some remote island in the middle of no where, you are eventually going to catch a cold, and maybe even the flu. Even the most health conscious, physically fit person who washes their hands regularly and avoids sick people can still succumb to the common cold.

Colds and the flu might not be fully avoidable, but there are things you can do to help “survive” them and minimize our chances of getting them and help shorten their duration.

Wash your hands frequently.

One of the most important things you can do it wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. It’s especially important to teach your children and grandchildren about the importance of washing their hands. Many children only wash their hands after using the restroom. They also need to learn that the need to wash their hands after playing with toys or reading books that have been handled by other children. Even opening a door or holding on to a stair rail can put you in contact with germs that can get you sick.

Did you know that even a dollar bill can get you sick? Researchers from the Wright Patterson Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio tested 68 random dollar bills they acquired from a school event and found that five of the bills contained bacteria that can cause an infection in perfectly healthy people, and 59 of them were contaminated with bacteria that could cause an infection in anyone with a compromised immune system. This is why hand washing is vital to keeping yourself healthy.

Eat and drink properly.

Eating chicken soup may or may not be an “old wives tale”. Some say that chicken soup contains anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent a cold’s miserable side effects. Others say it’s more of a psychosomatic thing where the soup provides you with comfort and you want to believe it’s helping. Which ever train of thought you subscribe to, eating properly is essential for staying healthy.

I have done research on what types of foods to eat to help fight off viruses. I read that root vegetables, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds and garlic can be helpful. They all have anti-viral properties. Of course don’t forget about Vitamin C too. Some people also swear by Zinc, Echinacea and Ginseng. While there is no concrete medical evidence to support these vitamins as helping to prevent or shorten the duration of a cold, it doesn’t hurt to take them (providing that it’s OK with your doctor).

It’s important to keep your body well hydrated too. Make sure you drink plenty of water. This applies to year round too, not just during cold and flu season. If you are not much of a water drinker find ways to jazz up the water a bit. For example, add some lemon slices or lemon juice to a glass of water (no sugar). Not only do you add flavor to the water you are also getting some vitamin C which is a bonus.

Get plenty of rest.

Your body needs time to rest and repair its self. During cold and flu season try to get a bit more sleep than usual. If possible take a nap during the day.

Avoid sick people.

I think this one doesn’t need an explanation. If someone you know is sick with the cold or flu try to minimize contact with them until they feel better. If you are caregiver that will be harder to do.

If you are feel like you are coming down with something – most especially the flu – stay home if possible until you are feeling better. And remember, if you or your child has a fever and the flu you MUST avoid contact with others because that is when you are most contagious.

When you are sick have consideration for others. Don’t go into public places if you can avoid it. Make sure you don’t touch your face and then touch other surfaces (wash your hands!). If you have to sneeze or cough make sure you use a Kleenex tissue.

Be Prepared.

The last thing you want to happen is to come down with the cold or flu and not have the supplies necessary to help you feel better such as over the counter medications and tissues. If possible stock up on some easy to prepare meals, not only for yourself but for your family too. If you are suffering from the flu the last thing you want do to is prepare dinner for your family. Make sure that there are things they can easily make so that you can get your rest.

I like to stock up on Kleenex tissues. Let’s face it, you can never have enough tissues. I even send my kids to school with the individual packages of tissues. I keep stock of them so when they run out we always have more.

My husband keeps a small pack in his laptop bag he brings to/from work each day and he keeps a full box of tissues on his desk at work.

My husband and I also keep tissues in our glove compartments in our car and we both have a big box in the truck of our cars (you never know when you might need them).

Another way you can prepare yourself is knowing when the cold and flu might be in your area. achoo by Kleenex is a cold and flu predictor that can give you a “heads up” when they might make an appearance in your state. I have made it a point to check at least once a week just to be on the safe side. So far, so good. But I do see some state that are dealing with a lot of cases. I just hope they don’t make their way to my area.

Using the most recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data and an innovative, proprietary forecasting model, achoo by Kleenex* is able to provide a one-of-a-kind, three-week cold and flu forecast that goes beyond the basic “current status” most other sources provide.

But knowing when cold and flu will hit is only half of the battle. That’s why achoo by Kleenex* also provides helpful tips and advice to prepare your home for what’s ahead, and offers useful information to help you care for your family when someone gets sick.

You can find additional tips and advice on the Kleenex website too, as well as product information and promotions. Visit www.Kleenex.com to learn more.

You can also find the brand on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to check out their Pinterest page too!

Do YOU have any special tips or advice you would like to share on how to avoid or deal with the cold or flu? Feel free to comment and share your thoughts.