Older adults are among the most vulnerable individuals. Most older persons have weakened immune systems due to illnesses and lack of sleep. If you or your loved ones spend a lot of time with others, you’re more likely to spread germs. Even yet, there is a lot you or your loved ones can do to lessen the odds of being unwell, as well as the length or severity of a cold or flu. Here are some ways of preventing cold and flu in you or your loved ones .
Avoid Crowds
Avoid congregating in big crowds, especially in poorly ventilated areas. This raises the likelihood of contracting a cold or flu from an infected individual. Try not to travel during the cold or flu season.
Clean Mobile Devices
Most people are unaware of how filthy and germ-infested their mobile devices are. Clean it on a regular basis with sanitizing wipes or rubbing alcohol, taking care not to get the electronics wet.
Sanitize the Environment
Make every effort to make the surroundings as germ-free as possible. That implies disinfectant should be used when cleaning, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Pay extra attention to germ hotspots such as doorknobs, light switches, and kitchen and bathroom countertops when cleaning. Also, disinfect cleaning rags and sponges by running through the dishwasher, microwaving for a few minutes, soaking in bleach, or routinely replacing them. Wash your hands after touching shared office areas and disinfect your personal work area on a frequent basis if you work outside.
Keep Your Hands Away from Your Face
Germs can enter our bodies through our mouth, nose, and eyes. However, we frequently touch our faces without thinking, which allows cold and flu viruses to enter the body. Avoid touching your face to lessen your chances of getting ill.
Regular Exercise
Moderate exercise strengthens the immune system and reduces the chance of catching a cold significantly. Even if caring leaves little time for exercise and older persons may lack endurance, any amount of regular exercise benefits the body and immune system.
Wash Your Hands Frequently
Handwashing with ordinary soap on a daily basis is an efficient technique to get rid of cold and flu viruses. Regular soap is OK since rubbing the hands together for at least half a minute is what kills germs. Take care to clean around your wrists, between your fingers, the backs of your hands, and under the nails. If you can’t get to water and soap frequently enough, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol to destroy cold and flu viruses. This may be a useful choice for older adults who find it difficult to get up to wash their hands.
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