You have your flu shot, travelled to Mexico for the holidays, spent a long weekend with your seven nieces and nephews (all under the age of 10) in Calgary and are finally back at home, settling into your regular routine. And then it hits you. You’re sick and no amount of Emergen-C packets stirred into your water are helping; you still feel lousy. Yet, according to Richard Webby, Ph.D., a member of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Infectious Diseases Department in the USA, it doesn’t have to be this way. “While the flu vaccine is the number one way to protect yourself, there are other basic, lifesaving precautions you can take to minimize risk and help control spread of the virus,” says Webby. “Simply practice these simple steps.”
Step 1.
Clean your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
“The flu is spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing,” explains Webby. So if you’re near someone who is coughing or sneezing, avoid touching them as you may be susceptible to contracting or even breathing in the flu virus. Try washing from head to toe with The Body Shop Tea Tree Body Wash, $16 for 250 ml, available online at www.thebodyshop.com.
Step 2.
Stay home if you’re sick
There’s no need to be a hero, so if you’re feeling sick, stay at home and in bed. “Until you are free of symptoms and a fever for 24 hours, you may still remain contagious,” says Webby. “Cold and flu symptoms include coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills or fatigue.” And remember, it’s possible for people infected with a flu virus to infect others even a day before the symptoms appear. Try diffusing Saje Natural Wellness Immune Antibacterial Diffuser Blend at home, $19.95, available online at www.saje.com.
Step 3.
Cover your mouth and nose
If you have to cough or sneeze, cover your face with your arm or a tissue. Then throw the tissue away and clean your hands. “If you or a family member has a fever along with symptoms and has to leave the house, consider using a face mask in public to help control spreading the virus,” advises Webby. Try spraying Sephora Collection Clean Up Nice Antibacterial Spray, $19 for 118 ml, available online at www.sephora.com.
Step 4.
Avoid touching your nose and mouth
When you’re on autopilot it’s easy to touch objects like door handles or subway railings that have flu virus on them and then touch your mouth or nose without thinking twice. “It’s a prime way the flu virus spreads from person to person,” says Webby. Try using One Step Sanitizing Wipes, $2, available online at www.walmart.ca.
