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Minimizing the risk of getting sick at home

Everyone knows that washing hands frequently tops the list of ways to keep from sharing germs. There are a few other things that people can also do to help minimize sharing germs with the family and vice versa. By faithfully completing a series of cleaning tasks whenever anyone in the home gets ill, the other people in the residence have a much lower chance of getting sick too. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that people who may have the flu should stay home until 24-hours after their fever breaks.

Get the family a flu shot

When the flu is a common occurrence in a household, experts suggest getting a flu shot to prevent the chances of getting the flu. People who have suppressed immune systems should always get a flu vaccine. Small children, infants, and elderly family members should also get a flu shot every year.

Isolate the ailing individual

Keeping the sick person in their bedroom is an excellent way to keep from spreading germs throughout the home. Children that share a room should be quarantined until well. To occupy roommates, parents can set up a tent fort in the living room or have a camp-out on the floor to make up for the well child giving up their room for a few days.

Cover it up

Using a tissue to cover the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing is very helpful to prevent spreading germs. Washing hands immediately after using a tissue is recommended as well. Experts say that germs from the tissue can spread back to the hands and anything the person touches afterward.

Clean and disinfect

Commonly used household items like door handles, counters, toilets, sinks, and other things that sick people have touched should regularly be disinfected. Disinfecting kills the germs before they can spread to others in the home that touch the same items. Bed clothes, pajamas, and any clothing the sick person wore while ill should be washed immediately after they stop having a fever.

Avoid touching the face when sick

Touching the hands, nose, or eyes after touching something a sick person has used can cause the transfer of germs into the body. Avoiding ailing individuals is always best if it is possible. Using an alcohol gel when there is no bathroom handy like when traveling is helpful to minimize germs too.

Stay fit

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration says that staying in shape is a good deterrent to flus and colds. Exercise during illness is not always recommended. Sometimes, people need rest to get well. Working out should be done as a way to avoid getting sick when flu and cold season hits.

Other helpful tips from the experts

Use a “no touch” wastebasket for tissues and cold medicine containers. Consider placing this trash can in the room where the isolated person is resting. By using one trashcan for sick items, a family can avoid illness by keeping the germs in one area. Talk to personal physicians to ensure that no one is in a high-risk category for illnesses. If someone does contract the flu, then it is helpful to get an anti-viral medication to minimize symptoms and speed recovery.