How to prevent flu and colds?

During the coldest months, it is when part of the population suffers from the effects of viral diseases such as colds or flu. These diseases affect us all, but there are segments of the most vulnerable population such as: children, the elderly, people with serious or chronic diseases and professionals working with these groups. In this case, special care must be taken to avoid unwanted complications.

As recommended by the Department of Health of the Generalitat of Catalonia, one of the best ways to prevent the spread of flu is to follow good hygiene practices. In this way, we help to reduce the transmission of the virus.

Below we present the most important hygiene measures to take into account, in order to avoid the transmission of these diseases to the maximum.

5 Habits that will help us protect ourselves from the flu

1- When coughing or sneezing try to cover the mouth and nose with a tissue of disposable paper, and throw it away in the trash. If you do not have a scarf, cough or sneeze, cover yourself with the upper part of the sleeve and not with your hand, to avoid spreading the viruses to common areas

2- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or with a preparation with alcohol. And wipe your hands well with paper. We recommend washing your hands after touching common surfaces such as: handrails, door handles, computer keyboards and mice, telephones, fasteners in public transport and after sneezing and chewing.

3-Avoid contact with people suffering from flu, do not share food or glasses, cutlery, toothbrushes and other objects that may have been in contact with saliva or secretions

4- Ventilate closed spaces often (classes, offices, common areas, etc.) for at least fifteen minutes a day.

5- Clean and disinfect regularly with specific products, surfaces and furniture; especially the spaces that are used more frequently and those that come into contact with hands (pencils, tables, computer keyboards, mice, door handles, etc.).

* In schools and nurseries, it is necessary to increase the cleaning and disinfection of toys, musical instruments, pencils and, in general, shared school material, as they can easily get in touch with children’s nasal secretions.