Avoid Getting Sick by Keeping Your Distance
There
are quite a few things you can do to avoid coming down with the flu or catching
one of those nasty colds this year. Yes, you can and probably should get a flu
shot. Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. The
healthier your body, the stronger your immune system. Another important
preventative measure is washing your hands. But don’t stop there.
As
much as possible, keep your distance from people who are coughing and sneezing.
Turns out that the average cold or flu virus only travels about six feet
through the air. That means if you can keep a little bit of distance between
yourself and anyone that looks like they are sick, you improve your chances of
staying healthy.
Of
course, that’s easier said than done. Sometimes we end up stuck in meetings
with sick coworkers who didn’t stay home. Or we must brave public
transportation. Or worst of all, we have to wait in a doctor’s waiting room or
hospital. Wearing a mask and washing your hands will help. You should also do
your best to keep that six feet distance I mentioned earlier. Move a few seats
if you can. Take a different route when you see someone with glassy eyes, or
someone who’s showing any kinds of symptoms that indicate they may have a cold
or the flu.
Teach
your loved ones to do the same. If they get sick, you will be surrounded by
people who spent most of their day within close proximity of you, needing your
help and physical attention. Eat a healthy diet and go out and exercise as a
family. Boost your vitamin C intake during the winter months when cold and flu
are most rampant. When they do get sick - it happens - do your best to protect
yourself. Wash your hands and try to avoid getting coughed or sneezed on. I
know, easier said than done, but do what you can.
Last but not least, use your influence to encourage others to stay home when they are sick. Lead by example. Stay home from the office and avoid heading out to the store when you’re sick. If you have to venture out, keep your distance and wear a mask. Don’t sneeze or cough into your hands. Use hand sanitizer before touching common use items like the keypad at the grocery store and the likes. Keep your kids home from school. Spread the message of the importance of staying home when sick to get others to do the same.