Ah, the season of sniffles, coughs and sneezes is upon us! And not to mention the GI distress. As temperatures drop, stress increases and sleep becomes an afterthought due to holiday commitments and events, our immune systems tend to struggle against the onslaught of germs. From crowded gatherings to often touched surfaces like doorknobs to holiday food buffets, it seems like germs are just waiting for the perfect moment to strike. But there are some simple yet powerful things you can do to keep yourself, and your family, safe from illness this season. 

 

Where Are the Germs? 

It’s no surprise that germs thrive on commonly touched surfaces like door handles, gas pump handles, ATM and vending machines, shopping cart handles and public restroom surfaces. But here are some other places germs live that may be less obvious: 

 

Smartphones and electronics. Devices like smartphones, tablets and keyboards are frequently touched but often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. They can accumulate bacteria and viruses from our hands and respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, talking and laughing. In fact, studies have shown that desktops have more bacteria than toilet bowls! Make sure to clean your phone, electronics and desk surface frequently with hand sanitizer or a bleach wipe. 

 

Remote controls are frequently handled but infrequently cleaned, making them a breeding ground for germs, especially in households with multiple users. Wipe them down with a bleach wipe or other antiseptic wipe once a week, more often if you have a sick family member. 

 

The floor. Dirty floors, especially in places that are warm and damp, are the perfect place for germs to breed. Respiratory droplets and germs can easily settle on the ground, then come along with us on the bottom of our shoes or bare feet, making it a good idea to avoid going barefoot in public places. Also, designating inside shoes will keep your house cleaner, and you can change into comfy slippers or flip flops and leave your dirty outside shoes at the door. 

 

Is It a Virus or a Bacteria? 

 Although it is natural to wonder what is causing your illness, the symptoms of an infection are often the same, regardless of whether the cause is a bacteria or a virus. That said, medical providers learn how to tell the difference so they can prescribe appropriate treatment. 

 

Viruses are a good example. They cause infections like the common cold, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the flu and COVID, and often the symptoms overlap, making it hard to tell exactly what you are sick with. Beyond curiosity, however, it doesn’t really matter, because the treatment suggestions are the same; rest, hydration, OTC remedies such as cough suppressants, decongestants or throat lozenges and staying home so you don’t infect others. 

 

Sometimes, bacteria are the cause of the infection, like strep throat, pink eye and food poisoning. In these cases, a medical provider can assess and prescribe an appropriate antibiotic. 

 

Since it’s hard to tell yourself, if you experience severe or persistent symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

 

I Know I Should Wash My Hands, But What If I Can’t? 

It’s not always possible to wash your hands, and in these cases, hand sanitizer could be a good option. Hand sanitizer is a valuable tool for killing germs and bacteria when soap and water aren’t available, but studies show they may not be as effective against certain bacteria and parasites, especially those found in feces – which is why there are signs in the bathroom encouraging you to wash your hands! 

 

For quick and easy sanitation, try stocking your desk, car, kid’s backpacks and lunch bag with pocket-sized hand sanitizer. Some even come attached to a keychain. That way, you’ll always have a quick way to clean your hands, especially before eating. It’s important to let hand sanitizer dry on your hands to be effective, so resist the urge to wipe it off. 

 

Hand sanitizer must have at least 60% alcohol to be effective against many types of germs, which can lead to dryness or irritation, and some contain added fragrances or chemicals that might cause reactions in some people, especially for those with sensitive skin. 

 

If you don’t have hand sanitizer, but do have antiseptic wipes or baby wipes, those will help remove some germs from your hands. And as a last resort, if you have a water bottle with drinkable water, you can use a small amount to rinse your hands. It won’t effectively remove all germs but will remove visible dirt and residue from your hands. 

 

If you don’t have hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes or water, you can use a tissue or napkin as a barrier to touching objects like doorknobs, elevator buttons or handrails in public places. Make sure to dispose of the tissue immediately after use. 

 

Lastly, try to wait until you have clean hands to eat or touch your face. It’s natural to pick your nose or rub your eyes but these are natural entry points for germs and it’s worth waiting until you have clean hands to do so. 

 

How Does Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle Help You Stay Safe from Germs? 

 For starters, your immune system will be stronger by eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and adequate sleep and taking time to laugh and enjoy the things you love. When you’re generally healthy, your body is better equipped to recover from illness more quickly. This means you may experience milder symptoms and a shorter duration of sickness when you are exposed to germs. And the reduced risk of developing a chronic illness, like diabetes, heart disease or obesity, a positive long-term effect of healthy living, indirectly supports your immune system. 

 

People who focus on healthy choices, like eating fresh fruits and vegetables and reading food labels, often tend to prioritize good hygiene practices like regular handwashing, proper food handling and sanitation, and therefore don’t get sick as often. It’s also true that prioritizing your health will often lead to a stronger body and better decision-making, reducing the chances of putting yourself in situations where you’re more likely to encounter germs or contagious illnesses. 

 

What Should You Do If You or Your Family Gets Sick? 

Germs are a normal part of life, and most of us will get sick at least once this season. If you or your child become ill, here are some general steps to take. 

 

1. Stay Home: Rest is crucial for recovery. And if we’ve learned anything from our experience with the pandemic, it’s important to think of the social impact of your illness and how staying home will not only help you get better faster but also help keep others safe.
2. Hydration and Nutrition: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. A reasonable target is to drink ½ cup of liquid every ½ hour while awake. In times of illness, sports drinks and electrolyte replacements have a role; Gatorade, Pedialyte or Vitamin C are all good choices to help you stay hydrated when sick. Soup is a great choice because it’s hydrating, and the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) can help provide nutrition even amid upset stomach and GI distress.
3. Monitor and Treat Symptoms: It’s important to keep track of your symptoms so you can treat them appropriately and explain them to a medical provider, if necessary. Although there are many OTC remedies that have a combination of medications, try to avoid taking medicine you don’t need by choosing a medication that specifically targets your symptoms, whether it’s congestion, cough or fever.
4. Fever Management: If you do have a fever, you can manage it with over-the-counter fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Make sure to follow the appropriate dosing instructions for the age and weight of the person who’s sick.
5. Household Cleaning: Once an illness has completed its course through your household, it may be worth doing an extra deep clean, including washing bed sheets and towels and focusing on disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects in the house. 

 

If your symptoms are persistent or worrisome, it’s important to seek medical advice specifically tailored to your symptoms and situation. 

 

Our Best Advice to Stay Safe from Germs This Winter 

Consider Getting a Flu Shot and COVID Vaccine 

 

Depending on your age, you should be considering between two and four vaccines this season. 

• Flu shots and the updated COVID vaccine are recommended for everyone from six-months to 65 years-old. 

• Adults older than 65 should get a high dose flu-shot, the new COVID vaccine and the RSV vaccine. They also may want to consider a vaccine against pneumococcal pneumonia. 

• Women 32-36 weeks pregnant during virus season should consider the RSV vaccine. 

 

There is no reason you can’t get two or three vaccines at one time, especially if it will increase your chances of getting your full complement of vaccines. 

 

Prioritize Your Rest and Wellness 

Lack of sleep weakens your immune system. Instead of waiting until you are rundown to catch up on sleep, try adding sleep time to your schedule. Consider limiting social commitments during cold and flu season to allow for more time to rest, as well as to avoid the risk associated with enclosed spaces full of germs. As we discussed above, following healthy habits helps you stay well and get better faster if you do get sick. 

 

Take Extra Steps to Stay Safe 

 Crowded indoor events are a prime environment for cold and flu transmission. If you are trying to significantly lower your risk of illness, avoiding these events may help. Also, be open with family and friends about how they are feeling and ask them to be honest with you if they are sick or experiencing any symptoms. Prior to our experience with COVID, going to work, school and events with cold or flu symptoms was common. But now we know it is ok to ask someone who is sick to wear a mask or stay home. If you have a chronic illness, or live with someone who has a chronic illness or is immunosuppressed, it may be worth taking extra precautions, like wearing a mask yourself, avoiding handshakes and washing your hands frequently. These small things can make a big difference. 

 

The Bottom Line: 

It’s germ season! And while the germs are everywhere, you don’t have to fall victim. Since it’s natural to touch your face, pick your nose and rub your eyes, keeping your hands clean can make a big difference. Try adding a tiny habit to your day by remembering to wash your hands right when you get home. Keep pocket-sized hand sanitizers in your bag, desk and car for easy use. And consider taking off your shoes and slipping into comfy slippers when you get home to leave germs at the door. Taking care of yourself by focusing on sleep and healthy habits will help you avoid illness and get better faster, if you do get sick. 

 

At Amaze we want to help you get healthy and stay healthy. And of course, we’re always here to help.