Flu and Cold

Knowing how viruses spread, it is understandable that the best way to prevent catching or spreading the flu or a cold is good hygiene:

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Use a tissue if you are sneezing or coughing, and then discard the used tissue immediately.
• Clean hard surfaces with a disinfectant.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

There are also lifestyle changes that can help you recover quickly from the flu or a cold:

• Drink plenty of fluids (6 to 8 glasses per day). Try drinking hot fluids to help with nasal and chest congestion.
• Humidify the air using a vaporizer (either cool mist or warm mist works). This will help relieve a sore throat or dry cough.
• Get enough rest. Fatigue can increase the duration of symptoms. Staying in bed will also avoid spreading the infection to others.
• Use saline drops or spray to loosen nasal congestion.
• Use nonmedicated hard lozenges or candy to soothe a sore throat or cough.
• Gargle with salt water to relieve a dry throat.
• Stop or reduce smoking. People who smoke tend to get colds more often. Their colds also last longer and they cough more frequently.