7 steps to keep cold and flu at bay in winters

With winters, comes the dreaded cold and flu. However, following a few simple actions is all one needs to do to significantly reduce the chances of getting sick or spreading germs to family, friends and co-workers.

Here are seven simple steps that are essential for staying well and avoid spreading cold or flu germs to others;

1. Get a flu shot:
This is undoubtedly the most important way to avoid getting the flu. Flu shots are predominantly important for people at high risk for serious complications from influenza including young children, the elderly and those with a weakened immune systemdefine.

2. Wash your hands often:
Regular hand washing with soap and water is more effective in preventing the influenza virus than drugs. In case one can’t wash hands with soap and water, alcohol-based gels and wipes can be used. However, the gel should be rubbed until dry.

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth:
As eyes, nose and mouth are the major points of entry for all kinds of germs, particularly those causing flu, they should be touched the minimum.

4. Avoid close contact with people who are sick:
Being highly contagious, the flu virus spreads quickly. Avoid close contact with people who are sick

5. Cover your nose and mouth:
If you are about to sneeze or cough, put your hand or a handkerchief over your nose and mouth, or else sneeze or cough into your sleeve. It prevents the spread of the virus to people surrounding you.

6. If you are sick, stay home:
If you’re running fever, sneezing or coughing, try to stay at home. You’ll help prevent others from getting infected.

7. Practice other good health habits:
In order to keep the immune system as strong as possible, get plenty of sleep, eat nutritious diet, drink plenty of water and other fluids, exercise, and learn how to manage stress.