As the winter months creep up on us, so does the cold and flu season. When temperatures drop, it makes it easier for bacteria and germs to stay alive. As such, we’re more likely to contract cold or flu viruses just by living our daily lives. It’s incredibly annoying to have your life waylaid by a cold, not to mention uncomfortable. However, there are a number of things that you can do to prepare for the cold and flu season and prevent yourself from getting sick this winter. From making sure to carry hand sanitizer with you, to eating immune boosting foods, to adding a toddler multivitamin into your little one’s daily routine, we’ve got a list of some of the best ways to keep germs at bay so you can stay healthy all the way through winter.
1. Carry Hand Sanitizer Wherever You Go
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from germs this winter is to keep your hands as clean as you can. When you’re on the go, be sure to take some hand sanitizer with you, so you can cleanse your hands after touching commonly used public surfaces like crosswalk buttons, subway poles, and park benches. Hand sanitizer is also great to have on hand when you’re going out to eat or drink with friends. Grab a quick squeeze or spray of hand sanitizer before sharing appetizers, or after you’ve signed your check with a pen provided by a restaurant worker.
When looking for a good hand sanitizer to use this cold and flu season, be sure to get one with at least 60% alcohol to ensure that you’re adequately removing germs. If you’re not a fan of the smell of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, there are a number of different types of scented hand sanitizers that come in a variety of different scents like lavender and lemon in order to make them more kind to the nose. Regardless of what kind of hand sanitizer you choose to use, by keeping it on hand at all times, you ensure that you’re getting rid of any germs lingering on you before you touch your face or put anything near your mouth.
2. Wipe Down Commonly Touched Surfaces at Home
In addition to sanitizing your hands, you’re also going to want to wipe down commonly touched surfaces at home with a cleaning wipe in order to remove any germs. The best places to wipe down daily include:
- Door handles
- Tables
- Faucets
- Landline phones
- Computer keyboards
- Lamps and light switches
3. Keep Your Distance From Those Who Are Sick Already
If you know of someone in your home or at work or school who is already sick, it’s best to limit your contact with them in order to ensure that you don’t contract their virus as well. If you share a room together, consider isolating in order to prevent the spread of germs. You might also want to wear a face mask if you know that you’re going to be in close contact with someone who is ill. While it’s hard to maintain our distance from people who are sick, especially when they’re people we love, it’s important to stay away so you can keep yourself healthy.
4. Incorporate Superfoods Into Your Diet to Boost Your Immune System
There are a number of different superfoods that contain properties that can help support your immune system in order to help prevent you from getting sick. Some of the best immune boosting superfoods include:
- Citrus fruits, which contain high amounts of vitamin C
- Ginger, which is known to reduce inflammation in the body and also contains some antibacterial properties
- Garlic, which helps to support white blood cell function
- Turmeric, which has antioxidant benefits
5. Help Your Little Ones Stay Healthy With a Toddler Multivitamin
If you’ve got little ones at home, you’ll want to prevent them from getting sick too. By giving your child a toddler multivitamin, you can ensure that they get their daily recommended dose of vitamins and minerals that are essential to keeping them healthy. A toddler multivitamin can be taken once a day in easily chewable gummy form. When looking for a toddler multivitamin for your little one, be sure to avoid those that contain high amounts of added sugars, as those are more like candy than an actual health supplement. Instead, opt for toddler multivitamins that are made with natural, organic ingredients. A toddler multivitamin is an essential for supporting your child’s wellness, especially during cold and flu season.
In Conclusion
During the winter months, we’re more likely to get sick. Thankfully, there are a number of things that you can do to prevent yourself and your family members from coming down with a nasty bug. What steps are you taking to keep cold and flu germs at bay this winter?
