Guest Post: Flu and Common Cold

Defending Yourself Against the Flu and Common Cold

With the flu running ramped this winter, it is important to know the facts on how to protect yourself. Not only is there the flu to worry about, but also the common cold. It is helpful to recognize the differences between the two and how to seek treatment.

Basically, a cold is a viral infection that hits your upper respiratory tract. This is the system in the body that includes the nose and the throat, and catching a version of the cold virus can lead to symptoms as simple as congestion and a stuffy nose or can get as involved as chest congestion and a cough.

While you might be able to take to your bed for a day or two and conquer the "common cold" when you are infected with it, the elderly and the very young can struggle tremendously with it. This is why you will want to know how to reduce chances for infection and how to fight it when it does happen.

Consider that most kids end up with at least two to four colds every single year and that this accounts for an average of 22 million missed school days each year too. This doesn't take into consideration the misery that many children experience when struck with the sinus issues and coughing that a cold causes.

So, let's consider some of the best ways to defend yourself this cold and flu season:

Know where the germs live - you may not even have to step outside of your home to encounter the germs that lead to a cold or the flu. Consider that your kitchen sink is one of the biggest breeding grounds for the cold virus. In fact, one germ can multiply into the tens of millions in a single day! This is why you need to keep disinfectant sprays on hand and make antibacterial soaps available too.

Watch all of the switches - some of the most filthy and germ infested areas of any building are the light switches, door knobs, and the handles that get you into or out of various rooms. Think of the numbers of times that any door knob in a place such as a school is touched each day and how many germs that might establish in a single location.

Laundry hazards - be aware that your laundry can spread germs that lead to colds and flu infections. This can be the machines in your own home or in a public Laundromat, so be very aware of this and take precautions that include the use of color safe bleaches, disinfectant wipes, and the use of hot water only cycles if possible.

The office - pick up that phone, use that public keyboard, push the button on the copier...you may have been exposed to an enormous number of germs. Make a habit of paying attention to the electronics you touch and use at the office as these can get you sick faster than a handshake.

Beware the bathroom - okay, we know that the bathroom is often quite germ infested, but even more so during the cold and flu season. Make a point of tackling this space with more vigor than ever before. Wipe all handles at least once per day, sanitize the tub, and keep things like toothbrushes separated.

You and your family don't have to fall prey to the flu and common cold so easily this year. We hope we have helped you find a few new tactics to keep extra healthy this year.

Valerie Johnston is a health and fitness writer located in East Texas. With ambitions of one day running a marathon, writing for Healthline.com ensures she keeps up-to-date on all of the latest health and fitness news.

 -Healthline