Cold & Flu-- Damage Control Edition

Cold & flu season is officially here! Unfortunately, we've already seen multiple flu deaths in NC...

However, there are some behaviors that can help you avoid these common germs.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap & warm water.
- If water is not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer. Then, wash them as soon as you can.
- Avoid touching your nose & mouth.
- Disinfect commonly touched objects (phones, doorknobs, shopping cart handle, etc.).
- Take care of your immune system by getting adequate sleep, eating healthy foods, staying hydrated, & reducing stress.
- If you haven't already, get your flu vaccine! (Our 10/24 blog post has vaccine info.)

For more info, check out NC Department of Public Health's Prevention & Treatment.

Unfortunately, even routinely practicing healthy behaviors & getting a flu shot is not a 100% guarantee.   (If you still get the flu, it's usually a much milder, shorter-lived version than an unvaccinated person.) If you get sick,:

- Consider staying home. While each organization has their own policy, consider CNN's Why You Shouldn't Go to Work Sick. WebMD's Do You Have a Cold or Flu? may also help in deciding.
- When sneezing & coughing, cover your nose & mouth with a tissue. Then, wash or use hand sanitizer. If you don't have a tissue, use the inside of your elbow (NOT your hand).
- Get plenty of rest.
- Depending on symptoms, light physical activity can help build immunity. Read the Mayo Clinic's Is It Ok to Exercise with a Cold? for more details.
- Food & drink can also help you recover. Check out Today's Best Foods for Fighting the Flu for tips.