Preventing the Spread of Cold and Flu in Your Household
When seasonal sickness hits your home, it’s important to take steps to prevent the cold and flu from spreading among family members. Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone, has reiterated some basic yet effective tips for preventing the spread of viruses.
1. Wash your hands often: Regularly washing your hands with soap and water is one of the most important steps in preventing the spread of cold and flu viruses. Make sure to lather your hands for at least 20 seconds and pay particular attention to cleaning your palms, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
2. Disinfect household surfaces: Viruses can survive on surfaces for hours, so it’s crucial to disinfect commonly touched areas regularly. Use disinfectant sprays or wipes to clean doorknobs, light switches, countertops, remote controls, and other frequently used surfaces.
3. Separate the sick: If someone in your household is sick, they should be separated from others as much as possible. If close contact is unavoidable, the sick individual should wear a high-grade face mask to reduce the chances of spreading the virus to others, especially those at high risk for severe infection.
4. Protect high-risk individuals: Infants under 6 months old, adults over 65 years old, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as severe obesity, poorly controlled diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease are at higher risk of developing complications from the cold and flu. It’s important to take extra precautions to protect these individuals from exposure to the virus.
5. Cover coughs and sneezes: Encourage everyone in your household to cover their coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets that may contain viruses. This can be challenging with small children, but it’s essential to teach and practice proper respiratory hygiene.
6. Keep your home well-ventilated: Good ventilation can help reduce the concentration of viruses in the air. Open windows or use fans to circulate fresh air throughout your home. Avoid stagnant indoor air, as it can increase the risk of viral transmission.
7. Avoid sharing food and drinks: Sharing utensils, glasses, or bottles can facilitate the spread of germs. Encourage each family member to have their own set of eating and drinking utensils to minimize the risk of transmission.
8. Practice frequent handwashing: In addition to washing your hands regularly, make sure to wash them:
– Before and after eating
– Before contact with vulnerable individuals
– After touching your face when experiencing active symptoms
9. Get vaccinated: Annual flu vaccines are recommended for all individuals over 6 months old. Vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of severe flu symptoms and complications. Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you and your family members are up to date on vaccinations.
10. Know when to seek medical attention: If you or a family member experience sudden fatigue, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, or upper respiratory congestion, it’s advisable to consult a medical professional. Differentiating between the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 can help in determining the appropriate course of treatment, especially if you are at high risk of severe illness.
By following these preventive measures, you can help protect your family from the cold and flu. Remember to consult with healthcare professionals for specific medical advice and guidance. Stay healthy and take care!