Tips on How to Avoid the Flu and Colds During the Holidays
During the holiday season, our stressful, busy lives take a toll on our immune system. And being exposed to crowds at the mall or at the office party increases our risks of exposure to colds and flu. Learn a few tips for avoiding the flu during the holiday season.
Elk Grove Village, IL (PRWEB) December 19, 2003 -
–It’s officially the holiday season, the season of giving and sharing. The time has come to make a list of gifts we want from our friends and family. There’s a gift that’s on no one’s list, however, that many unsuspecting people will get this year – the flu or cold. There’s no coincidence that the holiday and flu seasons coincide or that people get colds when it’s cold out. It might even explain why Rudolph’s nose is red.
“As the weather gets colder, people spend most of their time indoors,” says Patrick Esposito, Marketing Director of Shepard Medical Products, experts at infection protection and manufacturers of infection control products such as medical exam gloves, antiseptic hand wipes and instant hand sanitizer. “Whether you’re at an office holiday party or shopping at the mall, you’ll come in contact with more people and should take extra precautions to protect yourself.”
Esposito suggests some holiday tips to help combat the cold and flu-giving-spirit:
• Wash your hands often. You touch many surfaces throughout the day - doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, the chair in the cafeteria, paperwork and more. Remember, the person that used that object before you may not have washed their hands. If soap and water are not available, use an antiseptic hand gel or wipe.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes and nose. The cold virus will enter the body easiest through the eyes and nose. Your mother knew what she was talking about when she told you to quit rubbing your eyes.
• Drink plenty of water, at least 2 liters a day. Water not only keeps you hydrated in the dry winter months, but also flushes out your system.
• Cut down or quit smoking. Smoking kills the cilia, those little hair-like fibers in your lungs and nose that prevent mucus from clogging up your lungs and nose.
• At holiday parties, avoid any food trays that DO NOT have serving utensils in the dish. You never know if the person before you could have picked up that finger sandwich and changed their mind. Avoid dips at all costs, unless you are sure there are no double dippers in the room.
• Get plenty of sleep. The average adult requires 7 - 10 hours of sleep per night. Don't let your body run down. If you’re not fully rested and feel fatigued, your body is not strong enough to fight off a cold.
• Keep a scarf over your mouth and nose. It helps to keep germs from spreading to you or from you to others. Remember, you don’t want to spread your cold to others, either.
• Pay special attention to crowds. Shopping malls, buses, concerts and other crowded areas are prime venues for spreading germs.
• Good nutrition is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Eat healthy, take vitamins and supplements, and arm your immune system to fight any flu or cold virus that might find itself in your stocking this season.
Esposito points out that, if we follow these simple tips, we can enjoy a healthy and happy holiday season. “Remember to spread good cheer, not germs.”
About Shepard Medical Products
Since 1986, Shepard Medical Products has been an industry leader in the field of Infection Protection for the medical and food industries. Throughout the companyÂ’s history, Shepard has been committed to providing customers with the highest quality latex and synthetic gloves, hand sanitizing gel & wipes and related infection protection products. Shepard Medical ProductsÂ’ commitment to finding solutions to customer needs has lead to products that exceed regulatory standards throughout the world, as well as the development and introduction of proprietary products. www. shepard-medical. com.
Media contact: Beth Peterson, (708) 383-5989
Shepard Medical Products contact: Patrick Esposito, (800) 354-5683
Shepard Medical Products
Where Infection Protection Begins
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