Ways good hygiene keeps flu away

You may be concerned as to why the flu is often knocking at your doors. No matter the amount of Vitamin C you take in, it seems like the flu can’t just let you be. Just like with the COVID-19, what you may be unaware of is that, flu is a virus in the air that is greatly communicable. That door knob you are holding or the lift knob, all are your chances of catching the flu. To play a crucial role in reducing your own chances of going down with it, practice the following tips.

Practice good hand hygiene, wash hands with soap and water

Do you remember your mother insisting on how and why you should wash your hands often while you were a kid? If you don’t remember your mother telling you, then your kindergarten experience may have exposed you to it. Cleaning your hands using soap and water is a simple process that saves lives. When you do it by scrubbing your hands together for up to twenty seconds, you not only remove the dirt on your hands, but also the possible microbes therein. As a result, any germs lingering on your hands will be removed and your chances of catching a flu are reduced.

Use hand sanitizer frequently throughout the day

There could be times when you are in a space that you may be unable to access water and soap to wash your hands. This is when using a hand sanitizer comes in handy. Nearly as effective as using water and soap, hand sanitizers; which are alcohol based; do kill germs. The flu virus will not be able to last in your hands and you won’t infect yourself if you go ahead to touch your face area.

Practice cough etiquette at all times

To others, this may seem like too much to ask. However, when you cough and sneeze, you can transfer fluids (saliva) from one person to the other. If you have a flu, you can infect another person. Always cough or sneeze into your elbow or use tissues and napkins then discard used tissues properly and clean your hands.

Avoid touching your mouth and nose, especially when sick

Everyone does this absentmindedly. Every two and half seconds, you will most likely touch your face as a reflex action. When sick, therefore, you are meant to be conscious about touching your face especially your mouth, nose and eyes. These are perfect entry points for microbes that could be flu-causing. When you expose your unclean hands to your face area, a flu may as well be beckoning.

Clean and disinfect your environment frequently

Do you see those items that you share publicly? A keyboard, mouse, door knobs? All these are zones where the flu virus may be settled. As a good hygiene practice, ensure that you wash these areas or wipe them. Using an alcohol-based disinfectant is a good way to prevent the flu virus from spreading. Even as you personally wash your hands often, these areas need cleaning too. Be sure to dust your rooms often, especially your bedroom and change your beddings at least twice per week.

Aerate your home

Good flow of air ensures that any bacteria and flu viruses are kept at bay. For better prevention, drawing your curtains and allowing the sunlight and into your home will also kill off many of the attacking viruses. By allowing fresh air into the house you also ensure that any contaminate air is removed and that the air you breathe isn’t laden with dust.

Wear a mask during the flu season

There are definite seasons that are flu-filled. You find everyone on the street coughing, sneezing or blowing their noses. Be sure to wear a mask during this season as it can play a pivotal role in saving you from catching the dreaded flu.

Make these hygienic practices as normal as you can, and not only limited to the flu season. Consequently, you will save yourself the stress and body aches from the flu infection.