By Connie Colbert
GCU Director of Health Services
Prevention is the key to staying healthy. Here are some helpful hints to staying to preventing colds and flu this fall and winter:
- Wash your hands with warm soap and water. Studies show than simple hand washing can help prevent many illnesses, including COVID-19 and the flu.
- Get enough sleep. Eight hours per night is ideal to provide restoration to your body.
- Do aerobic exercises regularly. It increases your body’s natural virus-killing cells.
- Don’t cover your cough and sneezes with your hands. Use a tissue!
- Avoid sharing beverages. Germs spread easily through sharing of drinks. Mononucleosis is commonly spread in this manner.
- If you are sick, do not force yourself to go to class or work. You will only feel worse, and you will infect others.
- Go to the doctor if you feel ill.
- Drink lots of fluids. Colds and flu can deprive your body of much needed fluids. Rehydrate by drinking plenty of water or drinks containing electrolytes such as Pedialyte or Gatorade.
- Get a flu vaccination.
- Do not bite your nails. Our hands and nails typically carry a multitude of germs. By biting your nails, the germs can enter your body and cause illness.
- Do not smoke.
- Avoid ill friends and co-workers.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth. The membranes in these areas make it easy for bacteria and viruses to enter your body and cause infection.
- De-stress … there is evidence that your immune system revs up when you relax. Prayer and meditation daily for 15-30 minutes are great ways to get this one in.
- Avoid sugar and eat more fruits and veggies. The dark green, red and yellow ones carry the most nutrients.
- Wipe down your desk and phone daily with an antibacterial cloth.
- Carry hand sanitizer to use when you cannot use soap and water. Use especially before eating. Germs on your hand can get on your food and cause illness.
