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Prevent Catching the Flu

Good Hygiene is the Key to Preventing Influenza Virus Infection

Sep 11, 2009 April Mitchem

Influenza is a virus most often spread by contact with contaminated persons or surfaces. Good hygiene is the most effective prevention.

Practicing good hygiene, avoiding sick people or contaminated areas, and a healthy body are keys to preventing contraction of the flu virus, or influenza. Swine flu or bird flu or just plain human flu are all viruses that are transmitted by air in close proximity to an infected person or by contact with contaminated surfaces. Public places, such as train stations, stores, and work places are the most likely to be contaminated with any type of flu. Follow these steps to prevent contracting the flu.

Influenza Shot

If you are in a high risk category, elderly or immune compromised, consider getting a flu shot. Doctor's will administer the shot and they may prevent contraction of the most common strains of influenza. The flu shot may not be right for all people so discuss it with the family doctor first.

Use Alcohol to Kill Germs

Purchase a 70% alcohol solution from a drugstore and use it to clean surfaces which may be contaminated. Computer keyboards, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, and drawer/cabinet pulls are some of the most common places to be highly contaminated with various germs. Spray the 70% alcohol on swabs or a cloth and wipe these surfaces regularly. An excellent source for cleaning swabs is SuperBrush. This company makes all types of swabs in numerous shapes, lengths, and head sizes.

Many people eat at their desk at work. With coworkers stopping by and various people sneezing in the direction of your desk, there are likely millions of germs languishing on the desktop. Wipe the desktop once a week with 70% alcohol. If you eat at your desk, wipe the desktop every day before and after eating. Clean the computer keyboard every day or once a week at minimum. The swabs mentioned above work well for cleaning between keys.

Wash Hands Often

Handwashing is the single most important and useful way to prevent all sorts of illness. Do not touch the face unless the hands are clean is a good rule of thumb. Germs on the hands can be transferred to the face and then into the mucosal linings of the throat and nose, causing an infection. Wash hands before eating, before and after using the restroom, before grooming, and any time contact with contaminated surfaces is likely. Use hot water and soap and scrub the hands well to remove any viruses.

If You Are Sick, Stay Home

Don't spread illness to others. Stay home when sick. See a doctor if the flu is suspected as flu medications can be quite effective if given in the first 24-72 hr.

Avoid Contact with Sick People

If someone sneezes, don't shake hands. If they cough, stay away. If a coworker is sick, kindly suggest they go home until they are better. If they will not, speak with the boss as a sick coworker at work endangers everyone, lowering productivity.

Healthy Diet and Exercise Builds the Immune System

To avoid all illness, eat a healthy diet and exercise. A healthy body with a healthy immune system is able to fight off most viruses and bacterial infections all on its own. Avoiding processed foods, refined and added sugars, and empty food with no nutritional value. Fresh fruits, whole grains, vegetables, lean meats should be the staples of a healthy diet.

Exercise regularly. Just 3 times of walking per week will strengthen the heart, muscles, lungs, and immune system. Go hiking in the nearest national forest or state park. Take the go for a walk. Yoga, strength building, and bicycling are all fantastic ways to build up the body and help it to be healthy.

A healthy body, clean hands, a clean environment, and preventative healthcare will help keep people healthy and prevent influenza infection.

The copyright of the article Prevent Catching the Flu in General Medicine is owned by April Mitchem. Permission to republish Prevent Catching the Flu in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.