Winter is around the corner, and the flu season has arrived along with the beautiful melody of coughing and sneezing. My inner ‘germaphobe’ is on alert during this time of the year, and because there seems to be some confusion on how to conduct one’s self during flu season, I will make a good attempt to clear things up !
Influenza affects millions of Canadians each year. Flu season takes place between November and April, and according to Health Canada, “4000 to 8000 Canadians die each year because of the flu!” The victims are the more vulnerable populations like the young and the elderly. The influenza virus is spread through droplets that are released when someone sneezes or coughs. These droplets are taken into the body through one’s nose, mouth or eyes. Pink Eye anyone? The virus is then spread through contact with surfaces including the body and inanimate objects.
Studies suggest that if you are within six feet of a person who is sneezing and coughing you could get sick. Personally, I find it completely astonishing when people do not cover their mouths when sneezing and coughing in public. Where does this behaviour come from? One of the most important ways to stay healthy during flu season is to cover up when coughing and sneezing, either by using a tissue that you immediately throw away or using your arm/sleeve. I see people getting this wrong all the time and use their hands without disinfecting them after. Then, they have the audacity to touch public places, and shake other people’s hands.
The Myths
There are some myths about germs and how humans get sick. There was a time when it was widely believed that germs would magically disappear off of objects after a short period of time. Not true! Viruses can survive on surfaces for up to three days. Being out in the cold does not get you sick. Rather it is the exposure of the human body to a virus that will. The reason your mother dressed you warmly in the winter was because cold weather makes the body work very hard to maintain optimal body temperatures, and because the body’s energy is being utilized for this, it also makes it susceptible to viruses.
Your Hands?
Hand washing is an art form that does not get enough attention. Soap and water are your best friends! You do not need fancy soap, or even anti-bacterial soap (as the researchers have suggested), good ol’fashioned soap will work just as well. Health Canada outlines that, other than getting a flu shot, washing your hands correctly and often can prevent the flu. Follow this simple recipe for superb hand washing: Disperse some regular soap onto your hands, and splash some water on your hands. Lather for 15 to 20 seconds, count it in your head (1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, and so on). Wash in between your fingers, under the nails, the front and back of your hands, if you are feeling adventurous go a little past your wrists and wash that area too! Now rinse for 10 seconds. The most important part is now how you handle the paper towel. Obtain the paper towel by pressing the dispenser with your elbow, or get the paper towel ready before you wash your hands. Dry your hands with the paper towel, then turn off the taps with the paper towel and use the same paper towel to open the washroom door to leave. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, “hands spread 80% percent of common infectious diseases.”
Tips for preventing the flu:
– Eat healthy
– Stay at least three feet away from those who are coughing and sneezing
– Drink a lot of water
– Use sanitizer
– Avoid hand shaking
Passing a cold from yourself to another, could have bad repercussions when the virus mutates and you receive it again! Disinfect your hands following the steps outlined above, as well as objects such as telephones, keyboards, light switches, taps, elevator buttons, and stair rails. In your college dorm or apartment, schedule cleaning time with your housemates, clean surfaces well, empty your trash cans, wash your clothes and bedding and do not share cups at parties. One time during my first year at University, I was buying food innocently in the cafeteria, and then I witnessed with my very own eyes, the kitchen lady sneeze (by accident, I’m guessing) on the cutlery, and I stood there in awe as the bacteria-filled mist, fell onto each piece of cutlery. She walked away after and did not remove the diseased spoons and forks.
You have papers and exams to write, places to go and people to see, the flu is avoidable and people do not have time for it. Be preventative, and stay safe, it’s a battlefield out there!
Sources
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hc-ps/dc-ma/influenza-eng.php
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/influenza/
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