7 Tips to Prevent Cold and Flu
Knock on wood, no-one in my immediate household has gotten that nasty cold and flu going around, yet. It seems like this bug is knocking people down left, right, and centre. With each school day and after school activity, there’s always at least one person missing, fallen ill. One of our extended family members did, and she was sick for the better part of a month!
When it comes to colds and flu, I don’t have time for that. I can’t imagine trying to do everything I do on a daily basis, sick, especially for weeks at a time. No way!
Added to this is the staggering facts that approximately 12,000 Canadians will be hospitalized this year because their flu will be so severe, and approximately 3,500 Canadians will die from the flu. So, it’s more than just an inconvenience!
My plan of action against the dreaded cold and flu, is to prevent it as much as I can. It’s become one of my main missions this season.
7 Tips to Prevent Cold and Flu
1. Wash Your Hands – Proper hand washing is something that is lectured into us at such a young age, but it’s so important. We touch countless items {and germs} each day with our hands, and to completely get rid of that bacteria and viruses, we must exercise proper hand washing. So, practice what you preach and sing ‘Happy Birthday while you scrub with soap, and don’t forget between the fingers and under your nails. When soap and water isn’t available, use and alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Keep your Distance – This one is just common sense. As much as possible, stay clear from those who have colds and flu, such as those who are sneezing and coughing. Just one sneeze can travel at about 100 miles per hour, and a single sneeze can send 100,000 germs into the air. Sometimes it’s hard if it’s someone who lives in the same house, yet even then you can develop a mock-quarantine situation and limit exposure to others and common areas of the home. When someone in your home is ill, don’t forget to sanitize areas to avoid spreading, like doorknobs and light switches.
3. Sleep Soundly – Getting enough sleep each night is critical to your immune system and your ability to fight off bacteria and germs. Simply put, when your body is tired, it can’t fight as hard. If you start feeling under the weather, increase your rest and sleep, and you just might fight whatever is trying to take hold.
4. Healthy Diet – Like sleep, a proper nutrition including all the essential vitamins and nutrients also supports your immune system. Stock up on those fruits and vegetables and don’t forget to drink the recommended amount of water, which helps the kidneys function properly and flushes out the toxins that accumulate in our bodies.
5. Exercise – To enhance your immune system, get your exercise-on! Exercise boosts alertness, the general mood, and decreases stress – and, you are more likely to become ill when stressed compared to when you’re not.
6. Keep Warm – Not just a parental tale to convince kids to dress properly, being cold causes shivering which depresses the immune system. This combined with lack of sunlight this time of year {thus lower serotonin} negatively affects how the immune system performs. So, bundle up when that temperature dips!
7. Get your Flu Shot – While this is last on the list, getting a flu shot is actually the #1 thing you can do to prevent the flu. In fact, 70-90% of flu cases can be averted through vaccination. The flu vaccine in Canada contains 3 or 4 different influenza strains, helping to reduce the severity of flu illness.
Since the flu season typically occurs from November to March or April, NOW is the best time to get the flu shot. Getting your annual flu shot is easy – Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies offer flu immunizations administered by an injection-certified pharmacist, without an appointment!
Simply check the hours of operation for any Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada {except Quebec}, and stop by at your leisure.
Disclosure: I am compensated for my part in the #SDMFluFighters program, all opinions are my own.
.
I do the usual things – try to get a good night’s sleep, wash hands often, drink orange juice.
I try my best to wash hands, drink plenty of fluids, get rest, and get outside!
Wash hands, purel, Lysol wipes.
I use a sinus rinse daily.
I get my flu shot every year, wash my hands often, take vitamins and try to avoid people who already have a cold/cough/or flu.
Lots of hand washing and I take extra Vit. C and D.
Wash my hands more often and get plenty of Vitamin C
take lots of vitamin c in the form of oranges, and drink lots of water
We get flu shots, wash our hands a lot, drink lots of water, eat healthy food and get lots of sleep!
To prevent colds and flu I wash my hands often..keep away from sick friends and get plenty of sleep
wash hands X 10, but also eat healthy & keep well hydrated
We take many of the precautions that you mention and are thankful that we have good immune systems 🙂
I am really careful to wash my hands as often as I can, and mindful not to touch my face!
Wash our hands, drink lots of water and eat healthy.
I usually take some echinacea and Emer-C to help my immune system kill off the bugs!
We wash our hands frequently and eat healthy foods to keep our immune systems up.
I wash my hands frequently and encourage my grandkids to as well. I also get a flu shot every year.
we take vitamins and incorporate a lot of greens into our diet
Lots of hand washing and the washing of common shared surfaces like door handles.
I do the regular things like lots of handwashing, flu shots, extra vitamins, trying to eat healthy and if possible avoiding sick people.
Plenty of rest, garlic, ginger and meds from Shoppers Drugs!
We all get flu shots and we try to sleep and eat well!
I take Vitamin D daily. I find it really has helped cut down the amount of colds I get!
I like to eat 3 cloves a garlic a day and use lots of hand sanitizer and washing my hands lots to help prevent colds!!
I have 7 kids so I make them all wash there hands alot!
wash hands regularly
I wash my hands constantly and stay away from others who appear to be sick
flu shot, hand washing,
I wash my hands lots and eat healthy 🙂
I do a lot of hand washing and take extra vitamin C during cold and flu season.
As a nurse, I know the importance of frequent handwashing ! And getting my flu shot
I wash my hands frequently and try to avoid people who are sick.
i get the flu shot
Always have a flu shot at Shoppers every year,take LB vitamins,lots of water & wash hands always to rid germs
wash hands frequently and get a good night of sleep.
I get the flu shot. Wash hands and take vitamins.
I get a flu shot, wash my hands a lot, try not to touch too many unnecessary surfaces (e.g. railings on stairs and escalators), and don’t share drinks and bites of food.
I usually get a flu shot and try to drink fluids, eat lots of citrus
This autumn has been tougher on us that usual, but we have maintained great handwashing. Now, if only we could get more rest and no stress.
I make sure to have lots of vitamin C like fresh squeezed orange juice. Drink lots of fluids, get good amount of rest and exercise.
We get flu shots and we wash our hands often
I wash my hands like crazy and try to avoid sick people.
I keep my hands away from my face.
LOTS of hand washing helps me stay healthy!
I take Vitamin D2 and D3, B-Complex, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Potassium, one tablespoonful of Pink Himalayan salt sole, and one tablespoon of coconut oil and colloidal silver solution. I start my day with half a lemon or lime sliced into a 10 oz glass of water plus a half teaspoon of baking soda.
I’m an anti-vaxxer, so NO flu shots for me or my family.
We wash our hands often and everyone has there own towels
KEEP WARM,FLU SHOT AND VITAMIN C
I don’t do anything out of the ordinary but take care of myself by getting plenty of rest, managing stress and washing hands often
I wash my hands, drink plenty of fluids, get enough sleeps! But that wasn’t enough, I caught my granddaughters cold flu.
They both had their flu shot and both got the flu.
Wash hands when possible or hand sanitizer. I also clean the computers and workstation at college before use. Taking my vitamins and a balance diet helps too ????
I wash my hands frequently
bundling up and a lot of hand washing
To help prevent the cold and flu I take a multi-vitamin daily to boost my immune system.
Regular handwashing or sanitizer use, lots of Vitamin C, proper rest, exercise and diet.
I wash my hands constantly and make sure I am getting enough vitamin C
We wash hands and take oregano oil and vitamin C.
I always get my flu shot and my hands clean.
I dress for the weather, in layers, eat fresh produce and meat daily, take my vitamin c & d, plenty of fluids
We constantly wash our hands, Purell shopping cart handles, and get our daily vitamins.
We wash our hands, and take daily vitamins.
I carry Lysol wipes around with me, wash hands like crazy. Take vitamins
I try to prevent getting the flu by taking vitamin c every day, washing my hands often and getting adequate rest
I wash my hands, a lot! I also try to keep hydrated & I try to eat as many fresh fruits & veggies as I would in the summer. I know if I eat like crap my body starts to feel run down.
I take lots of vitamin C and always surfaces with vinegar
We wash our hands regularly and take inore vitamin c.
Wash my hands often and drink plenty of fluids to flush my system out
I get the flu shot and lots of hand washing. Have a happy New year!
Lots of water, vitamin c and put some oil of oregano on the bottom of your feet before bed with socks wake up feelin better.
To prevent getting a cold and/or the flu my family makes sure to drink lots of water, wash our hands often, take our daily vitamin, sneeze in our sleeves, covering our mouths when we cough and we get our yearly flu shot
I take vitamin C & D daily and I eat and drink plenty of citrus products
The best thing and easiest thing I do to prevent the flu/cold is wash my hands. And I wash them often. Plus I keep them away from my face.
I wash my hands and spray disinfectant on door knobs and phones and clickers, etc.
Keep the kids hands clean and keep everyone full of vitamins and healthy food!
hands washing and staying dehydrated!
During cold and flu season, we try to prevent it by being very diligent with washing our hands.
Frequent hand washing
I get the flu shot every year. Since I have asthma, I don’t like getting sick.
We always wash our hands and drink lots of water.
I gargle with salt water
I keep a hand sanitizer on me and in the car, and i eat garlic and healthy foods to boost my immune system
What we do, to prevent cold and flu is wash hands often,eat healthy and proper rest !
Washing our hands and taking vitamins.
Wash hands, sneeze in to my shoulder
I try to get more sleep – some nights it works, and some nights it’s laughable 🙂
Use hand sanitizer or wash my hands often.
I wash my hands often and take my vitamins
got a ‘flu shot, staying well-hydrated, trying to reduce stress, hand-washing. thanks
we wash our hands often, take vitamins, and try to get enough sleep
I wash my hands often, get plenty of sleep, and try to eat properly to keep from getting sick.
I regularly disinfect common areas of the home where germs can easily spread such as doorknobs, taps and drawer handles – often forgotten! Thanks for the chance to win!
To prevent the flu I take a lot of vitamin C and D. I also drink a ton of lemon water and try hard to eat healthily.Washing my hands frequently is a must also.
constantly wash my hands, stay away from people who are sick, take vitamin C, and “try” to rest up. I also always super bundle up when going outside.
We wash our hands constantly and use sanitizer when we’re out. Lots of sleep too.
Handwashing, all the time!
Using hand sanitizer, hand washing, & consistantly cleaning surfaces with antibacterial wipes
I sleep well and get plenty of healthy food to keep my immunity at its best.
I wash my hands all the time and use hand sanitizer when I can’t. I also try to avoid sick people as much as possible!
It would be great to win a Flu Fighters Prize Pack.
In response to your question of
What do you do to prevent cold and flu?
I wash my hands regularly,i take vitamin c tablets
and i try to stay away from people who have colds and flu.
Thank you for having this giveaway.
At work in the group home, we have hand sanitizers in hallways, living room and kitchen. Towel dispensers everywhere. And besides wiping surfaces such as door handles and light switches often. We.also spray Lysol disenfectant as needed.
I try to wash my hands all the time
I try to wash my hands several times a day
I stay active. That has been the biggest help for keeping me healthy.
Wash hands and cough or sneeze on arm and not the hands.
I try to avoid anyone that is sick and I wash my hands, plus I get my flu shot every year too, and eat healthy
Hand washing, vitamin C, cowering in a corner praying.
Everyone in my house gets the flu shot and we sanitize commonly touched surfaces daily.
I get my flu shot every year and I wash my hands frequently.
I am a germophobe so a ton of hand washing after going out, touching anything!
I always take a lot of Echinacea if I feel a cold coming on… it seems to help a lot of the time! Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
i don’t touch my face
I wash my hands a lot, use hand sanitizer when I’m out shopping, take extra vitamin C during winter months and I cover my cough and sneezes!
We do flu shots, eating healthy in the winter, and of course, lots of hand washing!
I wash my hands often and take my vitamins.
I drink lots of fluids to prevent cold and flu germs from infecting me!
I wash my hands often and use sanitizer
I take a multi vitamin and the flu shot
I wash my hands frequently and always disinfect when cleaning the house. Getting our flu shot usually helps us keep the flu away.
wash hand eat healthy lots of vitamin c
I use lots of hand sanitizer, eat lots of fresh produce and make sure to wipe down light switches and door knobs everyday
hand sanitizer is always at the ready and while I am out and about I never touch my face with my hands unless I sanitize them first
I practice VERY good hand hygiene to help with preventing colds and flus
Stay hydrated.
Wash hands and household surfaces regularly and take vitamins as well as drink plenty of water.
Taking flu shots
After one really bad bout of cold and flu, my doctor told me this mantra “Water, Watermelon, Wash Your Hands” And since then I think it has really helped to prevent bad cases like that one.
Wash my hands frequently, taking vitamin C and make sure I have enough rest whenever it’s possible
I try not to touch doorknobs and use a lot of hand sanitizer.
We eat healthy, sleep regular hours and eat citrus fruits. We also try to keep a distance from those that are already ill.
We always take lots of Vitamin C in our house, and wash your hands!!
I take Oregano Oil and other supplements.
We wash our hands more often and take more vitamins
I get my flu shot and keep away from children.
drink lots of water and wash hands frequently
Take a a multi vitamin and get a flu shot.
I live life normally. We wash our hands , sanitizer sparingly bc it will kill even the good germs. We also let the sun soak in when it does come out. Tons of vitamin D and C
Washing our hands is the #1 thing in our household! The amount of things little hands touch in a day is ridiculous, and then it all goes to the face!
I take vitamin D all winter long.
To prevent cold and flu, I eat healthy with lots of fruit containing vitamin C.
I don’t do anything special. I very seldom get sick
I eat lots of fruit and sleep
Get the shot ! I don’t want any Flu ! Such a awful feeling !
We try to eat healthy, take zinc and vitamin C, drink lots of water, gets enough sleep and get fresh air and exercise.
We use Lysol wipes and spray also Vitamin D 🙂
Try to get plenty of rest and take vitamin C and washing of my hands.
We take vitamins and wash our hands frequently
Washing my hands regularly and disinfecting around the house often.
I try to be very fastidious about washing my hands and using hand sanitizers.
To prevent colds and flu we wash our hands often, get lots of rest, eat healthy foods, try to avoid sick people and I clean all the doorknobs and light switches with a disinfecting cleaner on a regular basis.
I try to get plenty of rest and practice good hygiene habits.
I use a hand sanitizer in the car after meeting with people for work. I also TRY to get the kids not to touch everything lol
I carry around hand Sanatize and wash my hands often
Hand washing, vitamin c and d, lots of water, bone broth, and rest
I drink lots of juice with Vitamin C. I can’t say i keep warm because i run outside a lot without jacket in winter. it’s just quick!
To prevent flu in our home we take vitamin c regularly. We also try to stay away from people who have the flu. Other than that we cross our fingers and hope for the best.
I take vitamin C!
Tp prevent cold and flu, I try to remember to take my multivitamins and supplements, and to wash my hands often.
Rest and good hand washing is the key to my personal health.
I wash my hands often. Use hand sanitizer. wipe down surfaces and door handles often with Lysol wipes.
And try to avoid people who have a cold or flu already.
I wash my hands frequently and try and keep my exercise routine going.
Our family tries to eat well, sleep and wash hands alot
Wash your hands before you touch anything going into your mouth.
Hot tea with honey and an orange slice for vitamin C!
Lots of hand washing and if no soap and sink available, use hand sanitizer. Everyone in my house has their personal one attached to their purse or backpack.
Wash my hands and also use hand sanitizer, drink lots of juice and take Vitamin C tablets.
Extra vigilance in hand washing
During cold and flu season, I take vitamin C , and I wash m hands religiously. I volunteer at one of my local hospitals, so proper hand washing hygiene is must.
We drink lots of water, take vitamins and try to stay active.
To prevent cold and flu, I practice proper hand washing, take vitamins, drink lots of water, eat organic fresh foods, and get lots of sleep.
frequent hand washing is the number one easy way to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses
We all get the flu shot and I think it works.
I get adequate sleep, eat properly and bundle up when I’m in the cold weather.
I get plenty of rest, eat well, wash my hands frequently and stay away from people that are sick.
A LOT of vitamin C!
I wash hands, take vitamins, use Hydrasense whenever possible & drink natural juices.
I wash my hands lots to prevent flu.
I wash my hands often and take my vitamin C. Love Citrus.
I am constantly washing my hands, I think that helps a lot
wash my hands often and get the flu shot
I do take a lot of precautions by getting the flu shot, eating well, taking vitamins, hand washing and getting enough rest. By staying strong and healthy I feel I have less of a chance of catching the flu.
get your flu shot. wash your hands. eat healthy. get enough sleep. stay away from sick people
Proper and frequent hand washing, flu shot annually and eat fresh fruit.
Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer when you can’t wash your hands.
I avoid contact with people and wash my hands often
To prevent cold and flu I take vitamin c and use saline rinses.
Wash hands
Wash the hands a lot and stay away from sick people.
We wash our hands lots, take vitamins
Wash my hands often, extra Vitamin C, and try to avoid people who are ill.
Cheers.
To try to prevent cold and flu during this season, I wash my hands often, carry antibacterial hand sanitizers in my purse. We also take extra vitamins in the winter, and use air purifiers in the home with u/v germ killers which helps a lot.
I use my hand sanitizer all the time I am out in the public
I always make chicken rice soup when anyone even sniffles around here! LOL always works!
I take a daily multi vitamin and wash my hands often!
I take my vitamins and wash my hands frequently.
Try to keep hands washed more often, drink lots of vitamin c, and keeping head warm and covered on those cold days.
To prevent cold and flu I take vitamins daily and try to stay hydrated!
Wash hands, get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids
stay the He** away form sickies!! eww
I avoid touching things when I’m in public.
Wash my hands all the time
I get a flu shot, zinc lozenges, and pray alot…
I wash my hand often
Flu is hard to avoid, but washing hands and staying away from areas you Know have it.
Wash my hands, use sanitizer and drink lots of water and vitamin c!!
I drink plenty of water and get outside for fresh air and exercise .
We get our flu shot and teach good washing techniques to the kids
wash those hand the second we walk in the door.
hand washing and fresh air every day
Try to get enough sleep and eat my fruit and veggies for those vitamins
I try to keep up on my sleep and if I feel any sign of a cold I load up on Vitamin C.
Lots of hand washing and Vitamins !!!!
I try my best to wash hands, drink plenty of fluids, get lots of rest
Plenty of Vit c, flu shot and washing hands.
Drink plenty of fluids
I take Cold FX
I frequently wash hands especially before I eat or touch my face.
Get the flu shot
lots of fruits and veggies, fresh air, washing hands alot.
Fresh air, wash your hands, and get plenty of water and rest.
I wash my hands and eat lots of fruits containing vitamin c
What I do to prevent cold and flu is to wash my hands with soap and water when I get home after being out in the public.
We always wash our hands first thing when we get home!
we wash our hands all the time
I use some essential oils and wash my hands a lot to prevent colds.
I am always making sure everyone in our house is always washing their hands and we have alot of Vitamin C in our diet. Thanks so much for the chance
I drink water, exercise and see my doctor. I also sanitize my hands often.
Eat healthy, lots of citrus fruit, orange juice. Handwashing and when not at home always use antibacterial hand gel. Walk outdoors for exercise.
I am constantly washing my hands. When I am not near a sink, I have a Purex keychain and I will use that A LOT! I cannot risk being sick! I also drink a lot of water and take daily vitamins.
As a nurse, nothing is more important than hand hygiene! Of course, getting plenty of rest and vitamins can help boost your immune system.
hand washing!
I take oregano oil through the cold months and get the flu shot.
Wash, wash, wash our hands. This also makes them very dry so don’t forget to cream up afterwards
We wash our hands very often!
I always get my yearly flu shot.
We make sure our hands are washed often, our tooth brushes replaced and/or soaked in apple cider vinegar is we feel a cold coming on and staying hydrated too.
i sanitize everthing!
I try to make sure not to keep the house too hot as heat will only fuel germs and viruses, whereas the cold usually kills them.
I try to up my vitamin c and garlic intake as well as get lots of rest and water.
Wash me hands endlessly. We also have hand sanitizer in the car, and at the front door… We use it on entry and exit. This helps stop it it the door, whether it is bringing it home or bringing it out to share with others.
I have taught my kids to “use a sleeve” to open doors, push shopping carts, pretty much anything out in public. I don’t consider myself a germophobe, but use a public washer room once and observe others habits, and you will change they way you deal with things when out and about.
I wash my hands often and take vitamins 🙂
I keep hand sanitizer at my desk at work. I also take a vitamin C supplement.
One of the things I do to prevent cold and flu is to wash my hands regularly. I know this seems like a small thing, but not picking up virus from the world around me keeps me healthy as much as staying hydrated, eating healthy and exercising.
I always get a flu shot and really step up the hand washing.
I eat a healthy diet do my very best to keep stress at a minimum and pay good attention to hand washing
I always get my flu shot, make sure I wash my hands all the time and take Vitamin C in the winter.
I take the stairs as often as possible. Not for the exercise, but more so I’m not in close proximity of sick people in an elevator.
Lots of vitamins, rest, fluids, and washing of the hands.
We make sure that we always wash our hands in the house. And are always stocked full of orange juice
I wash my hands a lot!
Odorless garlic pills are a good way to stay healthy too.
I haven’t had a cold in about 20 years. I do take immune boosters though, like Chaga (mushroom) tea,minerals are important, glutathione, fruits and veg.
I’m all about the handwashing plus I take Vitamin C everyday.
Hand washing very important and along withplenty of sleep.
I boil water over chopper up lemons. Let it cool and puree. Pour threw a seive add honey and keep in the fridge. We all drink it daily. It cleans your liver aswell as ward off colds.
I wash my hands constantly
Lots of hand washing and avoid contact with others who are sick.
I get a flu shot and also always wash my hands and clean surfaces that sick people have touched.
Wash hands a lot and wipe down light switches etc
if the flu is going through people i know, i wash my hands a lot and drink extra waterm
I am always cleaning the house and washing hands and taking my daily vitamins.
I wash my hands frequently throughout the day, I take chewable Vitamin C tablets and I get plenty of rest.
Wash hands
Make sure when I am out to touch my face only with my left hand and to touch other stuff with my right so I do not transfer viruses to my nose/eyes.
Keep everyone hydrated and try to get outside for fresh air!
lots of hand washing and healthy eating and proper rest.
I am not sure if it helps but I use Lysol spray around the door knobs in hopes it helps stop the spread of the virus within the home.
Lots of hand washing and the flu shot!
Take my vitamins!
Bundle up and use hand sanitizer everywhere I can
I take a daily multivitamin and wash my hands and keep my desk clean with Lysol wipes.
I wash my hands a lot and take my vitamins daily.
We need drink more juice, may take Vit C as suplement, wash our hands frequently !
Lots of rest, water, and vitamin C
wash hands!!!!
wash your hands more frequently. drink lots of orange juice or take lots of vitamin c. if you are sick please stay home from work so you don’t affect others.
Wash hands, wash hands and wash hands
wash hands
Lots of exercise and vitamin D.
I love to stay in bed, get lots of rest and fluids.
I don’t get flu or cold.
get flu … wash your hands
BE SURE TO GET YOUR FLU SHOT AND WASH YOUR HANDS
I always wash my hands but having kids that pick up things from school cn be tough to avoid those little colds sometimes
solitary confinement
I do a lot of hand washing!! And I keep hand sanitizer everywhere lol!
My family and I get our yearly flu shot, continue to wash our hands and avoid people when they are sick!
Wash my hands when I walk thru the door. Try not to touch my face or eyes without washing my hands first.
wash my hands after come in from shopping, ALWAYS.
I get my flu shot, eat well, keep active and take my vitamins.
Wash hand
i have a cold as we speak and i hate it,resting,plenty of fluids and pills regular and hope it gone before the weekend
Wash my hands often, gets lots of sleep and eat healthy.
Drink lots of water
I find the best thing I can do when feeling sick is to get LOTS of rest!
I drink lots of fluids and rest !
washing hands is always our first line of defence!
get your flu shot
I keep my hands clean with washing and watch what I’m eating and drink more fluids.