By Dr. William O’Shaughnessy

The main respiratory infection season usually runs from about Thanksgiving to Easter (the cold weather season).

1. Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands! This is by far the most important habit you can do to protect yourself.
 

• Do this frequently
 

• Wash especially before you eat
 

• Anti-bacterial gels and towelettes are also good to use

2. Avoid your hands touching your face, especially your eyes, nose or mouth.

3. Cough into your upper arm or shoulder area rather than into your hand. Avoid coughing into other people’s faces.

4. Stay home if you are sick with the following symptoms: fever or chills, body aches, severe sore throat or significant cough.

• Staffing might be a problem but will surely be worse if you infect numerous fellow workers

5. Clean and wash surfaces around you including telephones, keyboards and your mouse if used by others.

6. Don’t share drinks with others.

7. Try and stay warm.

• Getting cold does not cause infections but it can weaken your immune system to allow a germ to make you sick

8. Drink plenty of fluids and juices.

• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables as they help your immune system. If you don’t then take a multiple vitamin.

• I personally believe in and take 1,000 mg of Vitamin C
daily.

9. If someone has recently been ill in your home, air the house out on a warm day.

• At least air out the bedroom of the sick person for 10-20 minutes if the weather permits.

10. Stress is known to lower the immune system.

• Try to manage stress by getting enough sleep, eating right and exercising.

11. Get a flu shot when available!!

Hand Washing

Turn on warm water

Wet hands

Apply Soap

Work up lather

Wash for 10-15 seconds

Make sure to get under rings and finger nails

Use a clean paper towel to turn off faucet if needed

Dry hands

Instant Hand Sanitizing

Apply entire amount of dispensed product into hands

Rub into hands as if applying lotion

Must get on to my daily exercise on the old treadmill!!!