We all get the dreaded cough, sneeze or runny nose at times. Flu, bronchitis, the common cold, or even them nasty allergies – they all suck the life out of you and cause you severe grief. What’s worse is, if you have infection – it WILL spread. BUT, you have the power to limit the spreading of germs.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve encountered people who have coughed in my face – it grates me!!!!
When we were in diapers we were encouraged and taught to cough in our hands. Now, that’s a good place to start, but what happens when you answer a shared office phone, or touch the door knob which many others will touch? It’s one thing to avoid coughing in someone’s face, it’s another thing spreading those very germs by touching surfaces and objects with those very same hands you just coughed into.
There are a number of solutions that can limit those nasty little critters from infecting others around you. Winter health tips to make you smile!
- Wash your hands!
People are lazy when it comes to washing their hands. Even if you’re not the sick one in the office you should be washing your hands often. If you know there are people coughing around you, you should be washing your hands more frequently, especially if you’re touching surfaces or shared objects where those infected people are in contact with.
Believe it or not, there is a correct way to wash your hands – a way which actually kills germs. You need to use a fair amount of soap and lather your hands for 20 seconds while rubbing vigorously, and if you want to be extra careful, use a nailbrush and clean those nails too – germs get in everywhere. Then rinse off with warm water.
If you don’t have access to s basin to wash your hands, then make sure you carry a waterless hand sanitizer of sorts, and regularly disinfect your hands.
- Cough into your elbow
As I said earlier, coughing in your hand is a good place to start, but an even better solution is to cough in your elbow, away from people. No one will be touching you in the crook of your elbow, it’s a far better alternative.
- Cough into a tissue
If you have to cough into your hand, then try your utmost best to cover your mouth with a tissue and throw it away immediately, then wash your hands immediately.
- Avoid your face
Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth and nose. You can pick up germs and insert them into your system by putting your fingers in your mouth, it’s that simple.
I am by no means encouraging us to become a germaphobes, there will always be germs around us. What I am encouraging us to do is to be more aware of our surroundings and be careful not to spread the unwanted love.
Be smart, wash those hands!