Transcript
Preparing for a Mid-Winter Getaway? Cold & flu season is still in full force, stay healthy before you travel Cold and flu season is still upon us and the experts emphasize that prevention is the key weapon in the fight to stay healthy. Handwashing and flu shots are commonly-known measures people use to prevent getting sick; however, another important way to reduce the spread of germs this winter season is by making sure the air humidity level in your home or workplace doesn’t contribute to making you sick. Dr. Kelly Reynolds, MSPH, PhD and Microbiologist at the University of Arizona, explained the effect that indoor heating during the winter season can have on the spread of germs. “Indoor humidity can be extremely low in the winter months,” said Reynolds. “This lack of humidity can dry out your skin and mucous membranes, making you more susceptible to sickness.”
“This lack of humidity can dry out your skin and mucous membranes, making you more susceptible to sickness.” - Dr. Kelly Reynolds, MSPH, PhD and Microbiologist According to Reynolds, the nose is a first defense against infectious diseases. Normally, the moisture inside of your nose, secreted by your mucous membranes, helps trap pathogens, bacteria and dangerous particles before they enter your airway and lungs. However, Reynolds noted, “Often, when indoor heating is used, the normally moist and healthy epithelial tissue that lines the nasal passages become dry too. When this happens, small cracks in the tissue open and disease-causing pathogens can enter,” she said. An affordable and easy way to keep up humidity levels in the home, hotel or workspace is to use a humidifier. However, one concern often associated with humidifiers is that mold and bacteria can grow in the water tank and then send contaminated air out into the room.
An affordable and easy way to keep up humidity levels in the home, hotel or workplace is to use a humidifier. Guardian Technologies® makes a line of ultrasonic humidifiers that have Silver CleanTM technology to fight the growth of mold and mildew in the water tank. Silver is known to kill up to 650 species of viruses and bacteria simply by coming in contact with them. Guardian Technologies has a full-line of humidifiers, with units big enough to keep large areas of your home properly humidified, to one small enough that it can be conveniently packed away in a suitcase and taken with you when travelling.
Best practices to protect yourself and enjoy your vacation time away If you’re getting prepared for that winter or spring break vacation there are things you can do to protect yourself before, during and after the trip. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following:
GET VACCINATED: One of the most important tools for flu prevention. If you haven’t already gotten your flu shot, head to your local pharmacy or doctor’s office and get one before heading out of town. PUT TOGETHER A TRAVEL HEALTH KIT: Travel-sized prevention; prepare items that might be helpful if you do catch a cold on the plane or during the car ride. Tissues, pain reliever, cough syrup and especially hand sanitizer are great items to pack and have handy just in case! NOT FEELING WELL? STAY HOME: Starting to notice signs that you might be coming down with something? Delay your plans. Wait until your fever comes down and symptoms are gone. Otherwise you’ll make travel miserable and others around you sick.
COVER UP!: Germs are transferred most commonly through sneezing and
coughing. Grab a tissue, or if one isn’t available, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow. Encourage children to do the same! This can be even more important when travelling in confined spaces like planes, trains and cars!
WASH YOUR HANDS!: When travelling you’re sharing germs constantly with everyone around you. Keep hand sanitizer close by and wash with warm, soapy water for atleast 20 seconds whenever you get the chance. Keeping your hands clean is key to preventing sickness! AVOID SICK PEOPLE: See sneezing or coughing people in the ticket line ahead? Stear clear when you can of people who are sick. The less contact you have with germs, the less likely you will be to get sick!
