Do battle against bugs - and keep flu away
Germs are part of everyday life for all of us. They're all around us, all the time. But we can take measures to stop them spreading around. It's especially important in winter, when the flu virus is at its peak.
What is flu?
Flu germs infect people via the eyes, nose and mouth. They spread in droplets expelled through coughing and sneezing, or through mucus and nasal secretions left by dirty hands on surfaces, tissues and fabrics. There are many types of flu virus and, as they are constantly evolving, immunity from previous infections gives little protection.
What are the symptoms?
Expect a sudden fever, aching limbs and fatigue, sore throat, cough and possibly eye pains and runny nose, lasting in some cases up to seven days. This makes flu different from a cold, in which the symptoms tend to occur above neck level.
Who's at risk?
Anyone can be infected with flu, but the young, the elderly and others with reduced immunity are particularly vulnerable and may be eligible for vaccination.
Prevention is better than the cure
There are many ways to help prevent flu spreading. Most importantly, wash your hands regularly with soap and water – or keep a disinfectant gel or spray to hand.
Always cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and wash your hands afterwards. Use disposable tissues for blowing your nose and dispose of them afterwards. A monogrammed cloth hankerchief may look great popping out of a jacket pocket, but hygiene dictates that's where it should stay.
Germs can live for a long time on surfaces, so if you work at a desk, regularly clean your keyboard, telephone and mouse with a disinfectant wipe.
Eating healthily and staying hydrated helps keep your natural defences up. So, for example, make sure you get your five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
In the home, use a Domestos-based solution on bathroom surfaces, especially doorknobs, taps and switches, as these tend to be touched frequently by different people. Domestos bleach cleaning spray ensures a hygienic clean, and minimises the risk of spreading germs.
