5 Cold and Flu Prevention Steps You Are Not Taking l How to Avoid the Flu l How to Not Catch a Cold

Shutterstock.com

They are lurking and looking for a place to thrive. It won't take long for the flu virus or the cold virus to settle into their new home especially if the conditions are right. The winter is the ideal time for us to get sick as we are remaining indoors more. Germs love warm and dry places. What happens when we are in the dry air all of the time? It dries out the mucous membranes and it allows germs to fester. With the dry heat and people spreading the cold and the flu viruses around like candy, the environment is primed for people to become infected. Sometimes we just are too late in the game by the time symptoms start to manifest. But this time we are going to play more offense. Here are 5 cold and flu prevention steps that you aren't taking.

Practice Good Hygiene

Shutterstock.com

Most adults get a cold 3 times a year. Children will probably see a cold up to 7 times a year. This is why you need to practice good hygiene health. Washing your hands with soap and hot water for 20 seconds could help. In common areas like the kitchen use paper towels to open doors. Wipe down computer keyboards, phones and like surfaces where germs love to congregate. Do this at home and at the office. If you are on the go, bring antibacterial wipes to wipe down tables and wipe down seats cut down on germs. Creating a barrier is important when using public restrooms. Use a protective cover on the toilet seat and use a paper towel when reaching for the faucet to avoid germs.