What One Should And Shouldn’t Do In The Season Of Cold And Flu

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We all know what it’s like to be sick with a cold or flu: sneezing and coughing all the time, feeling tired, being unable to smell and taste food, and struggling with headaches among other symptoms. But you can take steps to prevent becoming infected or at least limit the duration of the illness.

Here’s how:


1. Try to stay healthy.

Healthy diet, drinking enough fluids, regular exercise, and getting enough rest are important to keep your body and your immune system in good shape. If you lead a healthy lifestyle, you’re at a lesser risk of getting infected, and if you do come down with a cold or flu, you will recover faster. And your nutrition plays an important role in the recovery:


2. Avoid touching your face.

This is how it often happens: you touch a contaminated surface and then get germs into your body by touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. Try to make conscious effort not to touch your face if you haven’t washed your hands.

3. Wash your hands regularly.

This simple measure can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.


4. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.

If you do not want to infect people around you, prevent germs from spreading by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw away the tissue right after using it.


5. Stay away from sick people.

Try to keep a distance of 3 to 6 feet from people who have the signs of flu or cold.

6. Stay home if you’re sick.

You don’t want to miss work, but staying home when you’re sick with a cold or flu is the best option for you and other people around you. According to CDC, people should stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone (without the use of medicines to reduce it). If you absolutely have to go out, such as to go to the doctor or buy food, put on a face mask.



7. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

If your symptoms don’t go away within 7–10 days or you develop symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and tightness in your chest, you should call your doctor. If your symptoms are severe, you may need to go to the ER.