10 Steps to Staying Healthy This Winter

During the cold weather season, it’s common to see many runny noses, coughs, sore throats, and respiratory infections such as the flu.

Here are some steps to stay healthy this winter:

1. Clean your hands often. It’s the most important way to prevent the spread of infections.

2. Carry tissues and hand sanitizer with you at all times.

3. Keep your hands away from your face. When you touch you eyes, nose, or mouth, germs can get into your body and make you sick.

4. Take your gloves off when using or touching objects that other people use or touch. This includes the ATM, shopping carts, and crosswalk buttons. Wash your hands (or use hand sanitizer) immediately after use. It’s easier to clean your hands than the gloves.

5. When taking your gloves off, carefully loosen them at the fingertips, and pull them off with your opposite hand. Don’t use your teeth or mouth.

6. Don’t stuff your dirty or wet gloves and scarves in your pocket. They need to dry thoroughly to kill the germs.

7. Wash your gloves and scarves often—preferably once per week or when soiled.

8. Get a flu shot every year.

9. Avoid people who are sick with a respiratory or stomach virus. Stay home from work or school if you are sick.

10. Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not into your gloves or scarf.

To learn more, visit APIC for further detail.