Everyone is coughing and sniffing, so it is very difficult not to get sick. But there are things you can do to avoid catching a cold. These 10 tips will help you!
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As soon as it gets cold and wet outside again, everyone is coughing and sniffing again. If you now think that you cannot defend yourself against infection anyway, you are thinking wrong. There are quite a few things you can do to avoid catching a cold. These ten tips will help you!
1. Remember your thumbs when washing your hands
It’s hard to believe, but it’s true: when washing hands, many people forget that their thumbs also have to be cleaned thoroughly with soap. We use our thumbs all the time, for example to operate the smartphone. And its display has been proven to be a huge source of bacteria.
2. Don’t put bags on the floor
In public spaces in particular, you should never put bags or rucksacks on the floor if possible – especially not in toilets. Because there are countless no-one romping about on the floor, which you then drag home with you and maybe distribute on the table or worktop when you put the bag there. It is best to hang bags, rucksacks and the like on a hook or put them on an empty chair. If this is not possible, the bag should be washed regularly.
3. Separate toothbrushes from each other
A multitude of bacteria cavort in our oral flora. But cold germs also make themselves comfortable on the oral mucosa and then stick to the toothbrush. Therefore, used toothbrushes should be stored separately from each other – especially if someone in the house is already sick.
4. Disinfect all drawer handles
Most think about disinfecting door handles. But there are many more handles and knobs in the house that need cleaning as well. These include, for example, those on drawers or cupboards. Usually it is enough to wipe them off about once a week. If a family member has a cold, it is best to clean all handles daily.
5. Leave your shoes in front of the door
Our shoes go everywhere with us – unfortunately also through puddles and dirt. Accordingly, a lot of germs stick to the sole, which we then carry into the house and thus onto carpets and co. This is a real germ trap, especially for babies and toddlers who are still sliding and crawling on the floor.
6. Don’t eat your lunch at your desk
Quite apart from the fact that it is better not to take a break at work anyway, it is also unwise to eat there. Because microbiologists warn: the classic office workplace can be contaminated with germs up to 100 times more than a toilet seat. Therefore: It is better to eat in the break room or outside and to wipe your own workplace with a disinfectant from time to time.
7. Don’t take your cell phone into the bathroom
The gentlemen of creation will probably not like to hear that, but: The smartphone should not be taken to the toilet. The likelihood that it will subsequently be contaminated with faecal germs is actually quite high. In order for the smartphone display to be clean again, it is best to wipe it with a disinfectant wipe every few days.
8. Always have some yogurt in the fridge
A Canadian shows that probiotics, such as those found in yogurt, can help prevent upper respiratory infections. Ideally, it is eaten with dark berries such as blueberries – these also boost the immune system.
9. Change sheets at least every two weeks
Yes, it is annoying to constantly wash bedclothes, towels and the like, but you shouldn’t do without it, especially during the cold season. Because germs and bacteria feel right at home in it and can easily migrate from you to your partner and back! Therefore, bed linen should be washed at least every two weeks, preferably every week. Important: The pathogens only die at 60 degrees.
10. Provide moist air
Dry air also dries out our mucous membranes and makes it easier for viruses and bacteria to colonize. To prevent this, the humidity should be around 35 to 55 percent. On the one hand, it helps to open all windows completely three times a day for about five minutes and to ventilate them, and on the other hand, to attach so-called air humidifiers to the heating. You can find them in every hardware store. Alternatively, place a small bowl of water on the heater. However, the water should be changed regularly.
Source From: Stern
