Flu-Fighting Tips for Every Room in Your Home
When somebody in the family comes down with
the flu, all it takes is a couple of hours for the virus to spread. But
this helpful guide will help stop germs in their tracks, keeping
everyone at home healthy and flu-free.
From the kitchen to the bathroom, keep illness at bay with these room-specific strategies and prevention tips.
In the kitchen
Did you know that 60 percent of
refrigerator handles, drawer knobs, and light switches test positive for
the flu virus in a home when one person in the family is sick? And, to
top it all off, the virus can live for up to three days! So, keep germs
from spreading by wiping down these hot spots and other frequently
touched surfaces with disinfectant.
In the BedroomWhen someone in the family is sick, keep
germs from spreading by washing your bedding daily and tumble dry on
high heat. On this note, even though the linens may contain germs, it's
okay to mix it with the rest of your family's laundry when in the wash.
Alternatively, if your spouse is feeling under the weather, sleeping in a
separate bed may feel unkind, but it's your best defense against the
flu.
In the bathroom
Keeping the lid of the toilet closed when a
family member is sick is essential. When you have a viral infection,
the organisms are in your stool. And as unpleasant as it may sound, when
you flush, germs are spat into the air, potentially contaminating
nearby bathroom countertops, hand towels, and toothbrushes. But putting
the toilet lid down before you flush ought to keep things in your
bathroom germ-free.
In the Dining room
In the Dining room
When someone in the family is feeling under
the weather, serve cranberry juice. Research shows that people who
sipped about 8 ounces of cranberry juice daily for 10 days saw a boost
in their immune cells, helping to diminish cold and flu symptoms. The
juice is known to contain polyphenols (abundant micro-nutrients, known
to prevent degenerative diseases such as cancer) which has also been
shown to support a healthy heart.
In the Foyer
Keep hand sanitizer on your entryway table,
serving as a reminder to clean your hands upon walking through the
door. Studies show that over 80 percent of common infections are spread
through contaminated hands, so using a hand sanitizer, even if it's just
once a day, can seriously reduce your risk of getting sick.
Airing out a room is also important when
someone at home is feeling a little unwell. Opening a window, even if
it's just for an hour, will help cleanse the air, allowing fresh oxygen
to come in - making everyone at home feel much better.
In the living room
Be sure to clean your remote controls with
disinfectant to remove any germs. And be sure to give all doorknobs a
wipe too - they tend to be a germ hot spot.
In the study
It may surprise you to discover that your
workspace harbors 400 times more bacteria than your toilet. Whenever
possible, be sure to use a disinfectant wipe to clean your desk and
appliances like your phone and keyboard, at least once a week.
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