Is it possible to avoid getting sick in winter?

Few people escape the cold season without catching a cold! Today, the LeBlanc+Savaria clinic would like to remind you of a few simple habits you can adopt to limit the spread of infection.

1. Wash your hands

We can’t stress this enough: hand washing with soap and water is the most effective hygiene measure for preventing the transmission of viruses and bacteria.

2. Cover nose and mouth with elbow when sneezing or coughing

As sneezing and coughing produce droplets containing microbes and secretions, the risk of contamination is reduced.

3. Blow your nose into a tissue

Some cold and flu viruses can survive up to 12 hours on a handkerchief! By throwing away your handkerchief after blowing your nose and washing your hands thoroughly, you can avoid contaminating those around you.

4. Avoid touching your face

The viruses and bacteria that can infect us enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth. It’s important to instill this habit in children, too, from an early age.

5. When you are ill, limit outings, direct and indirect contact, and wear a mask if you cough.

Microbes are easily transmitted through direct contact (e.g. shaking hands), indirect contact (e.g. touching a doorknob) and through the air (when coughing or sneezing).

Viral and bacterial infections: different treatments

As a general rule, colds and flu are viral infections that heal on their own. Bacterial infections, however, are treated with antibiotics. So, taking an antibiotic for an infection caused by a virus will not accelerate healing; rather, it may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistancea global threat to public health.
This is why the LeBlanc+Savaria team recommends that you :

• use medication only when prescribed by a healthcare professional;
• never ask for antibiotics if your healthcare professional tells you you don’t need them;
• always follow your healthcare professional’s advice when taking antibiotics (e.g. take the medication for the ENTIRE prescribed duration);
• never share your antibiotics with others or use old medicines;
• prevent infections by washing your hands regularly, following hygiene rules when preparing food, avoiding close contact with sick people, practicing safe sex and keeping your vaccinations up to date.

(Source: World Health Organization)