With the change in seasons, the increase in cold and flu cases becomes a concern. However, there are effective measures to mitigate the risk of falling ill. By strengthening your immune system, you can fortify your body against the common coughs, sneezes, and sore throats that often plague this time of year.
Proper Hand Washing Technique is Crucial
Maintaining proper hand hygiene is vital in safeguarding yourself against harmful germs. Our hands unknowingly come in contact with our faces on numerous occasions, especially during moments of sneezing or coughing. Consequently, cold and flu viruses spread easily from one person to another through hands contaminated with germs. A mere quick rinse under the faucet does not suffice in eliminating the pathogens that can potentially cause illness. To achieve optimal results, it is important to wet your hands with warm water and vigorously lather them together with soap, ensuring to thoroughly scrub between each finger, for a minimum of 20 seconds. Subsequently, rinse off the soap suds under clean running water and meticulously dry your hands.
Avoid Touching Your Face
One important habit to develop in order to protect yourself from harmful microbes is to avoid touching your face. Throughout the day, your hands come into contact with countless microbes as you touch various surfaces in your environment. It is almost inevitable that at some point, you will end up touching your face, whether it’s by scratching your nose, nibbling your nail, or rubbing your eye. These actions bring the viruses directly to the mucous membranes, which are vulnerable to attack. To prevent this, make a conscious effort to keep your hands away from your face until you have the chance to wash them.