Avoid Getting Sick by Keeping Your Distance

Avoid Getting Sick by Keeping Your Distance

There are quite a few things you can do to avoid coming down with the flu or catching
one of those nasty colds this year. Yes, you can and probably should get a flu shot. Get
plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. The healthier your body, the
stronger your immune system. Another important preventative measure is washing your
hands. But don’t stop there.

As much as possible, keep your distance from people who are coughing and sneezing.
Turns out that the average cold or flu virus only travels about six feet through the air.
That means if you can keep a little bit of distance between yourself and anyone that
looks like they are sick, you improve your chances of staying healthy.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. Sometimes we end up stuck in meetings with
sick coworkers who didn’t stay home. Or we must brave public transportation. Or worst
of all, we have to wait in a doctor’s waiting room or hospital. Wearing a mask and
washing your hands will help. You should also do your best to keep that six feet
distance I mentioned earlier. Move a few seats if you can. Take a different route when
you see someone with glassy eyes or someone who’s showing any kind of symptoms
that indicate they may have a cold or the flu.

Teach your loved ones to do the same. If they get sick, you will be surrounded by
people who spent most of their day within close proximity of you, needing your help and
physical attention. Eat a healthy diet and go out and exercise as a family. Boost your
vitamin C intake during the winter months when cold and flu are most rampant. When
they do get sick – it happens – do your best to protect yourself. Wash your hands and try
to avoid getting coughed or sneezed on. I know, easier said than done, but do what you
can.

Last but not least, use your influence to encourage others to stay home when they are
sick. Lead by example. Stay home from the office and avoid heading out to the store
when you’re sick. If you have to venture out, keep your distance and wear a mask. Don’t
sneeze or cough into your hands. Use hand sanitizer before touching common use
items like the keypad at the grocery store and the likes. Keep your kids home from
school. Spread the message of the importance of staying home when sick to get others
to do the same.

“As much as possible, keep your distance from people who are coughing and sneezing. Turns out that the average cold or flu virus only travels about six feet through the air.”