6 Ways To Avoid Cold And Flu This Winter

Oct. 15, 2009 - PRLog -- Winter time makes illness the talk of the town. People keep worrying about catching cold and flu instead of enjoying the beauty of the season.

Bacteria and viruses causing cold and flu prefer to take the aerial route in order to travel faster. To prevent these microbes from spoiling your winter, there are smarter ways than just washing hands frequently. Take some easy precautionary steps to keep these 'killjoys' at bay this winter. These steps become even more important particularly when the entire world is struggling to cope with the dreaded Swine flu H1N1.

1.Try to sleep for a good 8 hours. Allow your body to relax so that it's ready to enjoy the winter. Inadequate sleep gives rise to premature aging, pain, fatigue and obesity. Just curl up in your comfortable bed and relax for 8 hours.
2.Mucous membranes (nostrils, lips, lungs, ears) are the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses. The “germs” find dry membranes conducive for their growth. Keep your mucous membranes moist with proper hydration to keep viruses at bay. Whole house humidifiers go a long way to keep your mucous membranes moist. Humidifiers provide controlled levels of humidity and prevent your home from being a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. Whole house humidifiers also prevent a number of skin allergies and respiratory problems that are common in winter.
3.Keep you immune system in top shape. Supply your body with key nutrients. A good multi-vitamin can help a lot to improve your immunity. Drink plenty of water. Also increase intake of other fluids.
4.You stand a very good of chance of catching cold and flu when you are in close proximity to a person. Don't use your hands to cover when you sneeze as you meet numerous persons everyday. Instead use a handkerchief.
5.Clean your hands with sanitizer after using keyboards particularly if they are not used only by you.
6.Cleaning doorknobs, stair rails and telephones also help as they are frequently used and touched by people.