Seven Proven Secrets to Staying Healthy When You’re Surrounded by Illness

By: VGFS
Saturday, January 21, 2023

When everyone around you is under the weather, staying healthy requires some extra effort.

Upper respiratory infections like colds and flu are more common in the winter months when we’re all staying indoors and can easily transmit viruses. When your family, friends, and coworkers are falling ill, how can you avoid getting sick?

Here are seven smart strategies for staying healthy when everyone around you is sick.


1. Keep your hands clean.

Good hand hygiene is crucial to staving off germs. Be diligent and frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Don’t forget to scrub under your nails and between your fingers. Always wash your hands before cooking and eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, and using the restroom. For an added dose of protection, apply a dollop of quality hand sanitizer after washing and drying your hands.

2. Don’t touch your face. 

Most upper respiratory infection viruses are spread through mucous membranes in the eyes and nose. Use tissues to wipe your nose, rub your eyes, and adjust your glasses.


3. Catch some Zs.

A lack of sleep compromises the immune system, making us more susceptible to contracting viruses. Most people need an average of seven hours of sleep per night so try to establish a regular bedtime schedule and stick to it. Turn off electronic devices well before hitting the hay to ensure quality slumber.

4. Practice the vampire cough.

While people may be tempted to cough into their hands, it can spread sickness faster. Coughing and sneezing into the bend of your elbow — otherwise known as the “vampire cough” — helps reduce the risk of transmission.

5. Clean shared items regularly.

Viruses can remain alive for up to 24 hours on certain surfaces, so thoroughly cleanse objects that are frequently touched by others in your household, such as:

  • Tables and desks
  • Light switches
  • Countertops
  • Faucets and toilet handles
  • Doorknobs
  • Car door handles and steering wheels
  • Digital equipment such as keyboard and remote controls


6. Eat your vitamins.

Consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will ensure you’re getting a balanced diet that’s chock full of essential vitamins and minerals. Citrus fruits provide mega doses of vitamin C, which is helpful in treating respiratory ailments. Orange-hued vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which helps mucous membranes function properly. Pop a daily multivitamin for an added boost.

7. Create a “sick space.”

As much as possible, try to keep germs contained in one room or area of your home. Whether it’s the guest room, family room, or spot in the basement, make it a comfortable haven and let whoever is sick sleep there. Give each person their own glass, washcloth, and towel. Stock the space with tissues, hand sanitizer, bottled water, and masks.

Staying healthy amid the cold and flu season gets easier when you have the right information. If you have questions or need additional resources about how to avoid winter illnesses, we are here to help. Please contact us anytime.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 25 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information about our funeral, cremation, memorial, repast, and grief counseling services, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

How Much Do You Really Know About Cold and Flu Season?

The chill of winter is in the air, and that means the cold and flu season can’t be far behind. You may think you're savvy about avoiding seasonal illnesses, but how much do you really know about h...

Funeral Food Fusion: Seven Tips for Combining Comfort and Culture

Through the act of breaking bread together, funeral food becomes a symbol of shared grief and strength. Amid loss, food is often used as a way to connect with one another, express sympathy, and he...

Military Funeral Traditions: Seven Ways to Remember America's Heroes on Veterans’ Day

Veterans’ Day presents an opportunity to express gratitude for those who have selflessly served in the United States armed forces. To ensure that the memory of these heroes lives on, it's fitting ...

The Best and Worst Sources of Protein, According to Nutritional Experts

From plant-based to animal-derived, sources of protein range from exceptional to the less-than-ideal. In the world of nutrition, protein is an undisputed superhero. It is essential for building mu...

Coping With Grief After Sudden Loss? Here are Seven Important Things to Know

Grief can engulf us when we least expect it, especially after the sudden loss of a loved one. This kind of grief is uniquely intense, plunging us into a confusing world where everything feels unfa...

Plan a Memorable Final Farewell with these Smart Fall Funeral Considerations

Surrounded by autumn's beauty and serenity, fall funeral planning offers special solace to the grieving. With its vibrant leaves and crisp air, autumn brings a sense of comfort, reflection, and no...

Experts Say These Eight Things Can Reduce High Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol is a common health concern, but the good news is that there are ways to tackle it naturally. Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, and maintaining heal...

Returning to Work After a Loved One Passes: Eight Helpful Coping Strategies

When you are returning to work after a loved one passes away, it can be an emotional journey filled with uncertainty. If the prospect of heading back to your workplace after loss feels overwhelmin...

How Should You Choose the Day and Time of the Funeral?

When bidding farewell to a cherished family member or friend, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is selecting the appropriate day and time of the funeral. Amid the emotional challen...

Celebrating National Alcohol & Drug Recovery Month

This September we celebrate National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Starting in 1989, National Recovery Month was coined to promote and support evidence-based treatment and recovery...