Cold and flu viruses are some of the most widespread and adaptable pathogens nature can throw at us. Like common criminals, they prey on the oblivious and unprepared. It’s impossible to avoid them completely, but you can arm your family with the tools they need to succeed in nature’s “germ warfare.”
Cold and flu germs spread mostly through sneezing, coughing, and contaminated surfaces. In general, they are more frequently transmitted from nonporous surfaces. Here's how to protect yourself and your family:
- Issue tissues: Sneezing spreads germs quickly. Give your family members tissues to carry with them, and stash boxes or travel packs in key places: kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, glove boxes, backpacks, and purses. For extra care, check out Puffs® Plus® with the Scent of Vicks® non-medicated facial tissue.
- Secure the hot spots: Once a day, use an antibacterial wipe to disinfect the hard surfaces that everyone in your home touches frequently: faucet handles, doorknobs, phones, countertops, keyboards, and remote controls.
- Keep your hands clean: Hand-to-hand and hand-to-surface contact are two of the most common ways to spread viruses. Hand washing is ideal, but get bottles of hand sanitizer for places far from sinks: the car, your desk at work, the garage, and the basement.
- First aid: Cold and flu germs usually enter the body through the nose, mouth, or eyes, but cuts or abrasions give viruses another route of entry. Treat them with antiseptic and apply a fresh bandage quickly.
- Separate rations: Avoid serving foods communally, and pour snacks into individual containers rather than reaching into the bag.
- Shot in the arm: If possible, have your family get flu shots, ideally in early fall, and especially the young (6 months to 19 years), those older than 50, pregnant women, and anyone with a compromised immune system.1
http://www.cdc.gov/FLU/protect/keyfacts.htm
