Steer Clear of this Winter’s Germs
Well, it’s cold and flu season again (on top of COVID)—when venturing out in the public some days can make you feel like you’re in a snow globe of germs. People everywhere are sneezing, coughing, wiping, blowing. It’s enough to give any healthy person the creeps, right?
Your first line of defense against picking up someone else’s germs is to not be such an easy target. By that I mean you must work to keep your own immune system strong this winter. A well-slept, properly fed human can make for a Teflon®-slick specimen. In addition to clocking at least 7 hours of sleep each night, you should make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables with brightly colored flesh (high in immune-boosting nutrients), take your vitamins, and keep yourself well hydrated.
Next, you’ll want to avoid mindlessly rubbing your eyes, nose, or touching your mouth throughout the day because your own hands can be the carriers of other people’s germs; don’t use them to carry those unwanted “bugs” directly to your moist, germ-incubating openings. The COVID pandemic has helped drill this practice into me, for sure! Masks, too, are a great barrier for many winter viruses which are spread by respiratory droplets.
When in public places such as gyms, restaurants, or church, use your forearm to push open doors whenever possible. Also, use a paper towel when turning off a public water faucet and opening the door upon leaving a public restroom. Many supermarkets now have sanitizer sheets nearby the shopping carts (thanks to COVID). Don’t pass up this opportunity to pass on acquiring someone else’s germs.
Finally, whenever you return home from the outside world you should walk directly to the sink—even before taking off your coat. Lather your hands, front and back, and wash for a full 20 seconds. This way you won’t distribute the days germy hitchhikers around your home.