A Mom’s Tips for Avoiding the Winter Plague

This winter has been rough for illnesses. If you are in a close working environment or have young children at home, you have no doubt spent a significant amount of time Lysol-ing everything around you. If you are like me, you hear the smallest cough and run in the opposite direction.

Plus, if you have kids, when they get sick, your whole life stops. According to John Hopkins Medicine, “elementary school children get six to eight colds each school year.” That’s a lot of times I have to take off work to stay home and take care of my kids.

During the winter, colds, the flu, and other viruses seem to spread even faster. This is because we spend more time indoors close to others, have drier nose passages, and there is low humidity where cold viruses thrive.

So, how do you survive the rest of the cold season without getting sick? Try following these tips for staying happy and healthy all winter long.

1. Stay Home When Sick

Please, please, please leave the sickness at home. Do not come to work sick and do not send your sick kids to school. Yes, it is inconvenient, but it is the right thing to do for everyone.

2. Avoid Others Who are Sick

If someone does show up to work sick, avoid this person as best you can. For example, do not hug or shake hands with the individual.

3. Get Plenty of Rest

Getting enough sleep is one of the healthiest things you can do. Not only does it help you recuperate when you are sick, but it is also a way to prevent getting sick.

4. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise is another way to stay healthy all year long. Our bodies need their daily dose of exercise to stay fit.

5. Keep a Healthy Diet

If you are filling up on junk, you will not have the reserves you need to fight off colds and viruses. Instead, eat healthy.

6. Wash Hands Often

Quite possibly the most effective tip is to wash your hands with soap and water often. The rule of thumb is to wash your hands for the amount of time it takes you to sing “Happy Birthday.”

7. Always Have Antibacterial with You

Just because you cannot always run off to the bathroom to wash your hands, you should always have antibacterial on you. I have bottles of antibacterial lotion everywhere – my desk, my car, my purse – and I even attach the keychain ones to my daughter’s backpacks.

8. Use Your Own Water Bottle

Did you know water fountains are one of the worst places for germs? It’s true. So, instead of going to the water fountain, take your own reusable water bottle with you and send one to school with your kids.

9. Take Your Vitamins

Protect yourself in advance by taking your vitamins. My whole family takes our vitamins, and I know it makes a big difference in our overall health.

What are your best tips for avoiding winter sickness?