Protect you medical mask from germs and why it is better to sneeze into the elbow? The answers to these and other questions, read our article about safety rules during a cold.
- THE SEASON OF COLDS: MINIMIZE THE RISKS
- IF YOU ARE SICK STAY HOME!
- ALL THE ATTENTION ON THE HANDS
- VENTILATE THE ROOM
- MEDICAL MASK: TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR
The season of colds: minimize the risks
Late autumn and winter period, when many of us (especially children) get sick with colds and flu. At this time schools are often closed for quarantine, and workers are forced to take sick leave, which is quite justified, because to carry the disease on legs dangerous not only for themselves but others.
Surely you know that the common cold and flu are viral infections. At the same time, in rare instances, colds can also be caused by bacteria. However, regardless of the etiology of ARI, the method of spread of infection are the same airborne and contact-household. So, if you are indoors and someone sneezed, you should know that the viral particles may spread to 5-15 meters. And we’re talking here about the room, because in the vast majority of cases, the infection is just indoors, because outdoors the virus little chance to attack you.
Considering the origin of acute respiratory diseases and characteristics of infection, it is important to observe the following rules to minimize the chance of infection:
- Wash your hands often.
- Moisturize the air.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes.
- Vaccinate against influenza.
If you avoid colds you don’t succeed, it is important to follow a few basic rules that will allow you to recover faster and protect people around you from infection. Consider the key recommendations of doctors.
If you are sick stay home!
As corny as it may sound, but ill need at home. Even if the symptoms seem trivial, to carry this thing on the feet is not recommended. First, you are putting your health at risk. A cold that is transferred to the feet can last for weeks, becoming complicated by bronchitis and even pneumonia. If you have the opportunity to work remotely from home, it is best to spend 2-3 days at the computer at home. If this is not possible take sick leave. Trust me, it’s a few days to spend on the treatment than weeks to go to work with a cough and runny nose.
The second reason why you must stay home risk to others. A sick employee is a source of infection. So you endanger their colleagues and other people, for example, in public transport. Remember the people with chronic diseases and pregnant women which Surely exist in your environment. And to cheer such people are dangerous, because for this category of people the common cold can turn into a serious problem.
All the attention on the hands
Your hands are the main source of viruses and bacteria. Many do not know about, but it’s the viruses and bacteria that have settled on your hands then migrate into the nasal cavity as soon as you bring your hands to face. Therefore, the first rule in the season of colds do not touch face with hands. From this, you risk not only to get acne, but cold. And, of course, do not be lazy to wash hands with soap and water, especially when you come home.
If you are sick, frequent hand washing with soap has not been canceled. Since you have a cold, your hands are too many virus particles. And if you shake someone’s hand, that is a lot of germs go to your counterpart.
Use the pharmacy: if you have no possibility to wash hands with soap and water. These tools are perfect to help fight germs (bacteria and viruses) on the surface of the skin.
Another seemingly trifling recommendation not sneeze into hands. Better in this case to substitute for the face of the elbow. You will be surprised, but at this point in the United States conducted more than one study, and even the Center for disease control in USA (CDC) gives similar recommendations.
Ventilate the room
As often as possible ventilate the room in which you are located. Remember that germs feel better where it’s warm and humid. If you are sick, the room circulate millions of virus particles. Periodically, you need to open the window to let in the room came the fresh air and erode the viruses. Unfortunately, many of us make a fatal mistake during the illness do not open the Windows for fear the cold air. However, the fear here is nothing more than fresh air in the room, the better.
Another recommendation in the winter humidification. Paradoxically, but the first peak of incidence always occurs at the beginning of the heating season. The air in the houses becomes dry, which leads to the dryness of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, which greatly facilitates the viruses a way into your respiratory system. When present in the mucosa, viruses are more mechanical barriers and the local immune system much better reflects all of the virus attack. For humidifying the air best suited special moisturizers that help to maintain optimal levels of humidity even during the heating season.
Medical mask: to wear or not to wear
Will medical masks to protect themselves from viruses? The answer is an unequivocal no. If you wear a mask as a preventive measure, to viruses it is not a barrier. Germs from the air flow can easily penetrate into the pores and then into your mouth. Therefore, wearing a medical mask for protection against viruses makes no sense.
However, if you are sick and you need to go to the people, then a face mask can help to hold the lion’s share of infected droplets by sneezing or coughing. Thus, putting on a mask, you are protecting other people from infection. However you need to remember that masks need to be changed every 1.5-2 hours.
Here such simple rules will help to significantly reduce the incidence of acute respiratory diseases, but on the condition that they will adhere to a critical mass of people.
SEE ALSO:
TREATMENT: METHODS, PREPARATIONS, BASIC GUIDELINES
HOW TO DISTINGUISH A COLD FROM FLU?
TOP 6 OF MY GRANDMOTHER’S RECIPES FOR COLDS