• Do you hate missing out on exciting parties and events because you caught a cold or flu at the worst possible time?
• Are you worried about returning to work after a long vacation but feel like you have to go even if you’re not feeling well?

It’s time to take control of your health and learn how to avoid spreading germs to others or catching someone else’s illness. With the right precautions, you can get through the cold and flu season without missing out on any of the fun.

Read on to be reminded of the simplest yet effective tips to help keep yourself and others healthy during this busy time of year.

1. Cough and sneeze into your arm:  Protect yourself and others from germs by coughing or sneezing into your arm or sleeve. Don’t let your hands become the enemy – they are the number one way germs spread! Changing this habit can make a big difference in keeping everyone healthy. Remember, coughing or sneezing into your arm or sleeve is the best way to prevent the spread of germs.

• Wash your hands as often as possible: Sure, we hear this repeatedly, but how many of us truly take this to heart and do it?

It’s crucial we take action to protect our health! Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 10 to 15 seconds multiple times daily. Whether on the street, in a bus, cab, or at a party, keep your hands free from germs by using an alcohol-based sanitizer. Luckily, brands like Purell have made it easier to stay safe on the go, with miniature bottles and sheet packets that can fit in your wallet, purse, or pocket. To truly stay prepared, consider keeping bottles of sanitizer in your home, at your desk, in your car, and in your purse at all times. Your health is worth protecting, so take action today!

• Wipe down items.  Protect yourself and others by keeping frequently touched items clean. Use sanitizing wipes to wipe down telephone receivers, doorknobs, computer keyboards and screens, copy machines, and your car’s steering wheel. By taking this simple step, you can help prevent the spread of germs and stay healthy.

• Brush your teeth and use mouthwash before leaving the house. Start each day off right by taking care of your oral hygiene. Before leaving the house, it’s important to brush your teeth, use mouthwash, and use the toilet every time you leave home.  You’re doing your part to stay healthy and protect others by taking just an extra minute to complete this habit. Remember, a clean mouth is a happy mouth!

• Never leave home without it. Carrying tissues with you is always a smart move. You never know when you may need them in an unexpected situation. So, be prepared and avoid the risk of frantically searching for tissues when you need them the most. Remember, a little bit of preparation can go a long way!

• Wear a nose and mouth mask: Since the pandemic, wearing a mask that fully covers your nose and mouth has become essential. Just as construction workers wear face masks to avoid breathing in hazardous particles, individuals worldwide wear similar masks to keep germs to themselves. Protect yourself and those around you by wearing a mask whenever in public areas.

• Use a cold remedy: I’m not a person who likes to take pills of any kind. However, when I must attend a meeting or event where I don’t want to be sneezing and coughing in front of others, I will take a non-prescription cold remedy. This will not only mask the symptoms of the cold to make me feel better, but it will also help everyone around me be more at ease.

• Two sticky situations: Following the tips on how to prevent germs, you are now well-equipped to handle the two most commonly asked questions of the year:

1. “What should I do when I have to shake hands with someone who has just sneezed into their hand?”
2. “If I have a cold while at a party, should I politely decline to shake hands to prevent spreading germs?”

In both situations, it is crucial to shake hands, especially if you feel well enough to attend a party. In the first scenario, right after, it is best to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer discreetly. In the second, refrain from saying anything, but keep your hands clean and follow all necessary precautions by washing your hands frequently and regularly using sanitizing wipes or liquid.

Conclusion:  Remember, prevention is always best. By taking these simple steps, you can protect yourself and others from the spread of germs and keep everyone healthy and happy.

Happy (and sanitary) Practicing!