3 Ways to Protect Yourself

Prevent colds and viruses with these simple measures.

"Being alert to the dangers, as well as practicing commonsense measures for prevention, can go a long way toward saving lives," says Brian Currie, an infectious disease specialist at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. Here are 3 suggestions for making self-defense part of your routine:

1. Clean your hands several times throughout the day. Use alcohol-based hand rubs and gels. Check the label to make sure they contain 60%-95% isopropanol or ethanol. Ordinary soap and water will work, but you don't have to use very hot water or antibacterial soaps. Use moisturizing lotion, as dry, cracked skin can let in viruses more easily.

2. Take extra precautions during flu season. Get a flu shot if you haven't already. Spend as little time as possible in crowds, especially in closed spaces, such as elevators and airplanes. Keep your distance from sneezers and coughers. Don't touch your eyes, mouth or nose after being with someone with flu-like symptoms. If you become sick, stay home from work, school and errands. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Use antiviral tissues. Don't drink alcohol, which depresses white blood cells and increases the risk of developing bacterial pneumonia in flu sufferers.

3. Avoid potential sources of infection. Use insect repellent when outdoors. Keep your distance from exotic animals at petting zoos or pet stores. In choosing a pet, stay away from imported or captured animals. Take extra precautions if you travel to a country that's had cases of bird flu or other deadly infections.

From Reader's Digest - January 2006

 

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