PREVENTING UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS
Most infections and respiratory infections (colds, flu, and other viruses) can be avoided.. Viruses are usually spread through hand contact. You handle and object that was handled by someone who is infected then touch or rub your eyes or rub nose (inside). This is the most frequent way the germs are transmitted (move from person to person). The second means of transmission is close proximity to people who are coughing or sneezing (closer than three feet). The following guidelines if followed will help prevent respiratory infections.
- Wash your hands frequently. Use soap and water and scrub for 30 seconds. Turn off tap using a paper towel to keep from putting the germs on your hands. Frequent use of hand cleaner will help if you can’t use a sink. (Hand washing also prevents stomach or intestinal ailments).
- Carry hand cleaner and use it often when out or at work (especially those who work in retail or children).
- Use a tissue to wipe your nose or eyes. I suggest keeping a small “pocket pack” in your pocket while working or even a box at the register (if allowed). It will take a while to develop a habit of using a tissue to rub your eyes but it is well worth the effort since it is through the eyes that most respiratory viruses enter the body. One of the reason health care professionals can work around so many sick individuals without “catching” their viruses is that most of us follow these guidelines.
- Use a tissue to clean your nose and preferably wash your hands first.
- When someone is coughing or sneezing stepping back till there is 3 feet distance so you will not breathe in their infected droplets.
- Get your Flu Shot! So many people say they can’t take a Flu Shot because it makes them sick. It was true years ago when they used what is called a live virus but today they use a killed virus so there isn’t any way you can get the Flu from a shot. Most people when they get a bad virus think it is the Flu. The Flu is serious. You run very high fevers for days and it can lead to pneumonia and even death. It can also cause serious loss of income because of the recovery time. Most people who have the real Flu become advocates for the Flu Shot. Seniors and children should always get their shots because they are most at risk for complications. In Swine Flu young adults are most at risk.
- Clean office and work areas (key boards, phones, file cabinet handles, and desk area) with a disinfecting hard surface cleaner like Clorox wipes or Anywhere Spray or Lysol. You must follow package directions. Most sprays require sitting for a few minutes to be effective.
- Eat healthy and get enough rest to keep your own immune system strong. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself well hydrated.
Changing just a few habits can make a big difference to your health. Please seek early medical attention for flu symptoms (especially during this Swine Flu outbreak). Please do not ignore this during these rough economic times. I know many do not have insurance but the cost of ignoring this is too high.
Everyone be safe! 
