The holiday season brings much joy and happiness, but it also totes along a not-so-welcome invader – the flu! Flu, or influenza, is a viral infection of the upper and/or lower respiratory tract and affects more than three million Americans each year. Flu season is said to officially begin in December and end in February.
And with the holidays bringing more guests than usual to your home, you need to know how to protect your apartment so that you’re not the next one catching the bug. Here are some simple reminders for keeping it out.
Wash your hands
If you don’t do it already, wash your hands as soon as you get home. When we are going about our days, we interact with some pretty highly trafficked objects, and the CDC says that flu germs can live on contaminated surfaces for up to eight hours.
Think about this: researchers found that 71 percent of germs found on gas pump handles had enough contamination to spread illness. The same was true of 68 perfect of mailbox handles and 41 percent of ATM buttons.
Washing your hands is the best way to prevent the spread of illness, including the flu. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, then rinse and dry. Have visitors wash their hands, too, especially those that are sick.
Mind your manners
It is believed that flu germs spread through the droplets emitted from the mouth and nose. Whenever you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and throw away immediately. Be sure to wash your hands right away, too. If you don’t have tissue, sneeze into the inside of your elbow or your shirt.
Keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes, and nose
As we mentioned before, flu bacteria can live on a hard surface for up to eight hours. If you touch a contaminated doorknob or table and then your eyes or mouth, you significantly increase your risk of contamination. Do yourself a favor and keep your hands away from your face. This can be hard, but keep reminding yourself.
Clean your home consistently
Flu viruses and germs love lurking on everyday essentials. Your kitchen sponges, floors, sinks, toilets, and dishcloths are all flooded with germs. Regularly clean and disinfect these hot spots. To clean your kitchen sponge, microwave it on high for one minute, or just throw it out (they sell seven sponges for $1 at Dollar Tree).
If someone in your home is sick, take extra precautions. Wash their silverware and dishes thoroughly by hand or in the dishwasher, and always wash your hands after touching their dirty laundry. Obviously, don’t share toys, utensils, washcloths, or towels with someone who is ill.
Practice healthy habits
A healthy lifestyle can go a long way in warding off illness. Getting sufficient sleep, a balanced diet including lots of fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, stress management, and consuming lots of fluids can all help protect you from illness.
Flu-season is among us but fret not. By practicing these ways to flu proof your apartment, you can significantly lower your chances of becoming ill and enjoy everything this holiday season has to offer.
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