We are not doctors, but having had a few colds around the office, we know that working with a runny nose and a fever is no fun for anyone! So in the interest of cold season coming up, we thought it would be nice (and self-serving because we needed this information too) if we gave out some ways to keep colds and flu away, because apples aren’t cutting it, and our doctors are tired of seeing us!
Wash Your Hands. We cannot say this enough! Washing your hands 
keeps colds and other infections away. Warm water and soap are two of your body’s best weapons against the flu. Make sure you wash your hands for at least 30 seconds to make sure they are as clean as you can get them. If you can’t get to a sink to wash your hands, grab some hand sanitizer. If you’ve shaken hands or touched a surface you know hundreds of people have had their hands on all day, don’t put your hands near your mouth or eyes until you can clean or sanitize them.
Exercise. Working out is not just for getting rid of those pesky holiday pounds. It’s also excellent for keeping colds and flu away. Exercise strengthens your heart and kicks your immune system into drive. Just 30 minutes a day is like training your sickness-fighting-army to beat and kick colds to the curb and let you get to work runny nose-free!
Home Remedies and Herbal Remedies. This section is 
beyond the scope of our humble publication, so we suggest going to your doctor or local pharmacist to have them advise you on natural remedies and vitamins that you can take to keep your chances of catching a cold down. This also goes for vitamin C. Always check with your doctor before trying anything new or if you’re going to take up any routine that may affect your health.
Doctors. I know this article is supposed to be about preventing being sick so you 
don’t have to go, but seeing your doctor is one of the best ways to prevent getting colds and helping to prevent the flu. They can recommend options that the normal lay person can’t. He/She can advise you on the latest shots and medicines that you can take that will be appropriate for you. If you don’t have a personal physician, go to your clinic, student service nurse, work nurse and ask them what you should do.
Chicken Soup. Don’t wave off your grandma when she brings in a bowl of soup. 
She’s not just good for cookies and warm hugs. Not only is the ingredients in this well known food stuff good for you, they are chocked full of vitamins. The warm steam from chicken soup alone will help with clearing your head. Yum!
Get Plenty of Rest. This is another item on this list we can’t stress enough. Getting enough rest is key in keeping colds and flu away. Your body is bombarded with so much stress, and late nights of studying is pushing it to the limit of what can reasonably be expected. Your body needs sleep to get itself together and keep your immune system in cold fighting order.
Drink Plenty of Water. Staying hydrated is another way of keeping yourself in 
working order. Water keeps your body lubricated. Think of it as giving your car oil. Water is to your body as oil is to your car. Water is your body’s way of keeping all of your immune systems (parts) in excellent working order!
Just remember that when you’re out and about, you need to be vigilant about where you put your hands, how well you wash your hands, how much water you consume and how much rest you get! There are colds and flu all over the place looking for a home, and with a little work, you can be ready for anything the cold and flu season throw at you! Δ
Recent Comments