It’s been a nasty flu season so far. Over the holidays I see family members that don’t get out too much, and one of my cousins asked me, “How do you avoid getting sick during the winter months, when your job requires you to be exposed to sick people all day long?”
There are two habits that can REALLY help you avoid infections from viruses like colds and the flu. One of the most important is also simple, yet not always easy to do: avoid touching your face with your hands, because that is how viruses can easily infect you. As much as possible, avoid using your hands to rub your nose, rub your eyes, or touch your mouth. I admit, it’s a hard habit to break, but it does cut down on your exposure to viruses.
The second key habit to avoid getting the flu is to wash your hands frequently and EFFECTIVELY. Unfortunately, most people, even medical professionals, don’t wash their hands well enough. Wiping your hands with antibacterial gel is just not good enough if you want to avoid getting sick from viruses.
Friction is more important than chemicals. Washing your hands by lathering with soap, then rubbing the surfaces thoroughly has been proved more effective than using an antibacterial gel or soap. Two of the most neglected areas are between your fingers and along your cuticles.
After years as a hospital pharmacist I’ve developed a serious allergic reaction to triclosan, a common antibacterial chemical used in Liquid Dial® and Softsoap®. To avoid having my hands itch and peel after using soaps containing it, I avoid all antibacterial soaps as much as possible. Instead, I carry a small bottle of liquid shampoo with me to wash my hands in hotels, restaurants, airports and some family member’s homes that still contain liquid antibacterial soaps.
Here are a few tips to help you stay healthier during the winter months:
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. You DON’T have to use antibacterial soap, just good technique.
- The key to good hand washing technique is FRICTION. Lather up and rub every surface well, spreading your fingers apart to get in between them.
- When washing your hands, don’t neglect to rub the lather into your cuticles, where viruses can easily hide.
- To avoid contact with the chemical soaps found in most airport and restaurant restrooms, carry a hotel-sized bottle of liquid shampoo that you can use instead.
