As the weather gets cooler, autumn turns to winter, and people start spending more time indoors, cold and flu viruses begin circulating widely. However, you can take steps to reduce your chances of getting sick. This article outlines practical tips to help protect yourself and your family from colds, influenza, and other winter bugs.
Wash Your Hands Frequently
Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect against infections. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of your hands and wrists. Make sure to wash your hands after sneezing or coughing, before eating, after using the toilet, when you get home or into work, and whenever they look dirty. Consider carrying hand sanitiser for times when you don’t have access to soap and water. Getting into this handwashing habit is your first line of defence.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes
When you sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or the crook of your arm, not your hands. Bin the tissues immediately after use and wash your hands. This stops viruses being transmitted through droplets to surfaces which are then picked up on other people’s hands when touched.
Disinfect Surfaces
Use anti-bacterial cleaning products to regularly wipe down surfaces which are frequently touched, like door handles, kitchen counters, phones, and keyboards. This removes any viruses which may be lingering there from contaminated hands.
Practice Social Distancing
Keeping your distance from people showing symptoms can reduce exposure risk. Viruses can only spread through droplets expelled from an infected person’s nose or mouth when sneezing, coughing, or speaking. Maintaining a buffer zone between yourself and others decreases the chance of contact with something potentially contagious.
Stay Home When Sick
If you do develop cold or flu symptoms like fever, cough or body aches, stay at home to recover, if possible. This prevents spreading the illness unnecessarily to others in shops, public transport or the workplace. Follow NHS isolation guidelines and advice on PPE use if you need to provide care at home. Returning to normal activities too soon may also prolong your own recovery time.
Get the Flu Vaccine
Getting the annual flu shot protects you and helps prevent wider transmission. Flu changes each year so vaccines are updated accordingly. Flu vaccines are offered free on the NHS to those over 65 or in other vulnerable groups. Speak to your GP about your options. The flu virus should not be underestimated as complications can be severe. Protect yourself by getting immunised.
The onset of winter shouldn’t spell an inevitable cold for you or your household. Following guidance on hand hygiene, surface cleaning and social distancing gives you an excellent chance of staying happy and healthy, despite the cold weather. Adopting new habits like regular handwashing takes effort initially but will soon become second nature. With some concerted effort, you can enjoy the festive season to the fullest this winter.
Leave a Reply