Wiregrass Seniors Magazine January 2019 JANUARY ISSUE | Page 20

Page 20
WiregrassSeniorsMagazine.com
5 Tips For Avoiding A Cold or Flu This Year
(BPT) Last year we experienced an unprecedented
cold and flu season. The CDC reported an early flu
season and much higher than expected rates of hos-
pitalizations for the flu. It is never too early to start
preparing your home and workplace to prevent the
spread of this viral and infectious, but also life-threat-
ening, illness. These tips can help prevent you and
your family from catching the virus.
Disinfect
Flu-related viruses can live outside the body for a
long period of time, which is why it's important to
disinfect surfaces in your home and workplace. Germs
are everywhere and disinfecting works by using
chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This
will decrease the spread of germs and subsequently
reduce the risk of infection. The CDC suggests daily
sanitizing surfaces and objects that are touched of-
ten, such as desks, countertops, doorknobs, com-
puter keyboards, hands-on learning items, faucet
handles, phones and toys.
Wash your hands
The flu is a very contagious disease so it's important
to stop the spread of the related viruses. Washing
your hands can help limit the spread by killing some
of the viruses and thus decreasing your risk for infec-
tion. Wash them with warm water and soap for 60
seconds or longer as your best way to avoid germs.
Make it a habit to wash your hands regularly at work
and at home.
Eat healthy foods
Keeping nutritious food at your home and workplace
and eating balanced meals can strengthen your im-
mune system. With a healthier immune system, you
will be better equipped to fight off infections and ac-
tually decrease the risk of getting sick. Eating bal-
anced meals and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
can strengthen your immune system and help you
avoid the risk of catching the flu.
Avoid the waiting room
Crowded waiting rooms can expose you to other
people's germs along with spreading yours. To avoid
these spaces and get the treatment you or your
dependents need, consider using a telemedicine ser-
vice to avoid the waiting room altogether this flu
season.
One virtual care provider is Doctor On Demand,
which has board-certified physicians available around
the clock. The average wait time to see a Doctor
On Demand physician is typically less than five min-
utes. Through video technology, physicians can di-
agnose and, if needed, prescribe medicine through
the convenience of your mobile device, tablet or
desktop computer. To access, download the free
app (iTunes or Google Play) or create an account
Gargle with warm salt water
on the website. The service is covered by many
Yes, your mother was right. At the first hint of a sore
insurance plans and employers. Enter your insur-
throat, add two tea spoons of regulat table salt to a
ance information to find out your co-pay.
cup of warm water and stir until the salt disolves then
Gargle with solution. Do this twice a day for the next
three days. When you wake up and right before you To learn more about using Doctor On Demand, visit
www.doctorondemand.com.
go to bed.