The various strands of the common cold and influenza are being passed around right now like they are every winter. While it is officially flu season, you may be interested to learn that there is no actual season for colds. They seem more prevalent this time of year, but that is because weather and social conditions have people in closer contact with one another, making it easier for the viruses to spread. Taking into account the number of viruses around you right now, it is useful to know a little bit about cold and flu viruses so that you can get the better of them before they best you.
How the Viruses Spread
Both illnesses are the result of one strain of respiratory virus or another. Cold and flu have similar symptoms and are spread in an identical fashion. When an infected person expels saliva, mucus or any other biological substance that was once housed in your respiratory system—nose, throat, windpipe, lungs—the virus that causes cold or flu travels with it. If you wipe any of these biological materials on something, like say a doorknob or even a hand towel, the viruses can live for several hours. Anyone who touches the biological material, which will likely be invisible, and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth, is likely to get sick. Coughing and sneezing also expel liquids that contain the virus and float through the air. If someone comes into contact with them, the person will also become infected.
Tips to Avoid Cold and Flu Viruses
Now that you know how the viruses spread, you will be better prepared to avoid contact with them. Try these tips for specific ways to stay virus free.
- Wash your hands- This basic sanitary recommendation has been popularized ever since germ theory itself was developed.
- Clean your surroundings- The viruses can literally land anywhere, so clean countertops, door knobs, light switches, your desk at work and anything else you and others come into contact with regularly.
- Never reuse a tissue- Once you have blown your nose, wrap the tissue up and throw it away. Carrying around a used tissue is literally carrying around germs.
- Use disposable towels- Like we said viruses can stay alive on hand towels for several hours. If you dry your hands with an infected towel you are that much closer to being in bed sick.
- Avoid touching your face- You come into contact with germs on a daily basis. It’s just a fact of life. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with germ-infested hands, then the germs are given an open door into your body. Then they are no longer your hands’ problem, but they will require your immune system’s attention.
- Get vaccinated- There isn’t a vaccine or antibiotic for the common cold, but there is one for the flu. Go get a flu shot or a dose of the nasal spray vaccine. Talk to your medical provider about any medical conditions you may have to ensure you get the vaccine that is best for you.
- Avoid sick people- It’s common sense, but many people fail to avoid sick family members. Do not shun them of course, but limit contact between them and other family members, especially small children or seniors. This will obviously be difficult for a parent or other caregiver but limiting contact is a good way to avoid getting or spreading a virus.
- Don’t smoke- Smoking causes more than cancer; it directly weakens your respiratory system, making it more susceptible to viruses. Second-hand smoke is also a factor when it comes to these types of viruses so avoid that too.
- Encourage your immune system- Basic health standards promote a good immune system and, likewise ignoring them can be detrimental. Get proper rest, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. These activities help keep your natural defenses against viruses strong.
We hope you will be able to heed this advice and get through this season without illness. If you would like more information on influenza or cold viruses, please visit University Hospital and Medical Center online. If you are in need of a physician, feel free to use Consult-A-Nurse®, a free service that offers answers to medical questions and free physician referrals, by calling 1-866-442-2362.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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