How to protect yourself during cold and flu season

Living alone has its benefits, but not when the cold or flu hits. Take extra precautions to prevent getting sick during cold and flu season to minimize your chances of falling ill.

To do so, prevention and preparation is key. If you start doing these things now, you’ll thank yourself later.

• Prevent Germs From Entering Your Home
• Prevent the Spreading of Germs in Your Home
• Prepare a Cold and Flu Kit

Prevent germs from entering your home

Cold and flu germs can easily make their way into your home and cling to your most-used items.

Start fighting back before you get sick by disinfecting these major germy hot spots (including some you might not even think about):

• Kitchen sponges and dishcloths
• Toilets
• Cutting boards
• Toothbrush holders
• Remote controls
• Home desks
• Light switches
• Doorknobs and handles

Don’t forget the biggest germ culprit

Your mobile phone might be the biggest germ magnet of them all. Researchers at the University of Arizona have found cell phones carry about 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats.

Here are some ways to keep your phone germ free:

• Lint-free or microfiber cloths: Lightly dampen the edge of the cloth with water and wipe the entire screen area. Do not spray your phone with water directly or use disinfectant wipes. Use the dry area of the cloth to remove any leftover moisture.
• Cotton swabs or toothpicks: Use cotton swabs or toothpicks to remove residue from the small, hard-to-reach areas, such as the charging port or speakers.

Prevent germs from spreading in your home

Studies have shown flu viruses are less likely to survive and spread in moist air conditions than in dry, low-humidity air. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, preventing dryness and opening up your airways. It can also soothe dry throats, nose irritation, sinus congestion and more if you end up getting sick.

Prepare a cold and flu kit

If you do get sick, you’ll want to have cold and flu get-well essentials within arm’s reach. By preparing your cold and flu kit ahead of time, you can relax at home and focus on getting better.

Here’s a checklist of what you should include:

• Over-the-counter fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen: Not only will they help you keep your fever in check, they also help with aches and pains.
• Nasal decongestant/spray: Keep your airways clear to avoid discomfort.
• Tissues: Use them to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze to limit the spread of germs.
• Hand sanitizer: Use this to kill germs and keep your hands clean.
• Thermometer: Take your temperature regularly. If it reaches 103 F or higher, see your doctor.
• Cough medicine and/or cough drops: Use these as needed for relief.
• Tea packets: Hot liquids help open airways and soothe sore throats.
• Water or electrolyte-replacement drinks: Drinking fluids will help to prevent dehydration and replace lost electrolytes.
• Chicken Noodle Soup: The salty broth hydrates and replaces lost sodium. (A study by the American College of Chest Physicians showed the soup helps infection-fighting white blood cells work better.)
• Ginger: Add to soups or teas, it has good anti-inflammatory properties.
• “BRAT” foods: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast are good options for when you’re feeling nauseous but still need to nourish your body.

We encourage you to customize your kit with additional items as you see fit. Pin or save our Ultimate Cold and Flu Kit so that you’re prepared all season long!