The winter season is almost here. Here are some tips to protect you and your family from colds, touches of flu and other respiratory illnesses this winter.
What is respiratory illness?
A respiratory illness is an infection or disease that affects the airways in the body such as the nose, throat, sinuses, and lungs. Respiratory illnesses cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, fever, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Some respiratory diseases are communicable, meaning that they can be spread to others, such as COVID-19 and the flu.
Tips to help prevent respiratory illnesses
Mask Up
- Practice social distancing, and limit time spent in proximity with others outside of your home.
- Wear a mask when indoors and in crowded areas.
- Follow basic respiratory hygiene. Cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Don’t touch your face (especially the eyes, nose, or mouth) with unwashed hands.
- Stay home if you are sick to protect others from getting sick.
- Vaccinate for COVID 19 and flu.
Don’t smoke
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death. it is directly responsible for 90 per cent of lung diseases – chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and lung cancer deaths.
Healthy living
- Staying in good health keeps your immune system strong. This helps your body protect itself against respiratory illness and infections.
- Be physically active every day and get regular exercise.
- Get enough sleep each night.
- Eat a nutritious diet.
- Schedule annual wellness exams with your physician.
Put safety first
- Work in a properly ventilated area (space with sufficient fresh air) and wear the appropriate safety equipment, such as a face mask when working with chemicals or doing activities such as sanding, painting, yard work, and when using the certain bathroom or kitchen cleaning products.
- Vacuum, dust, sweep and wipe down surfaces in your home regularly.
Source – https://www.mana.md/ways-to-prevent-respiratory-illness/
