Avoiding Colds and the Flu

By Skincareguide.ca

The flu or "influenza" is a common illness that millions of Canadians suffer from each winter. Flu season starts in November and usually ends in April. That's a long time to avoid getting sick! Viruses can be spread by an infected person coughing or sneezing. The viruses can also live on hard surfaces like door knobs, keyboards, and ATM machines. You can pick up viruses on your hands just by touching these surfaces and then transfer it to yourself simply by re-touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

According to Health Canada, the best way to avoid the flu, or at least reduce the symptoms, is to get a flu shot in the fall. Washing your hands is also one of the most important things you can do to stop the spread of germs.

Products That Help Keep You Germ-Free

A new kind of product has been developed to assist in keeping us germ-free: antimicrobial hand sanitizers. These are creams and lotions with antimicrobial protection. Antimicrobial means that it can inactivate or kill viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. In Canada, a product just introduced called Safe4Hours™ (www.safe4hours.ca ) is made with both Triclosan to kill the germs, and a bonding ingredient called Invisicare^® (Read more on www.invisicare.com), which keeps the product on your skin for four hours, killing germs the entire time. You don't need to reapply for four hours, even after hand washing.

Need to wash without water? For those times when you're not able to wash your hands with soap and water, you may want to try one of the readily available hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizers. While not as effective as good old soap and water, these products can help out in a pinch.

How to Wash Your Hands Properly

It may seem like a simple thing, but many of us and our family members, don't actually wash our hands properly. Here are some tips:

• It is important to wash your hands in warm water for at least 15 seconds. Count while you wash to see how long you actually wash for; most people don't wash long enough.
• Use soap and make it lather.
• It is important to rub your hands vigorously together, as it is the friction between your hands that helps eliminate the germs.
• Pay attention to cleaning between your fingers and under your finger nails.
• Use a clean, dry towel and hang the towel up properly to dry.
• If you are in a public restroom, use a paper towel to turn off the taps and open the door.

About SkinCareGuide.ca:
The SkinCareGuide Network of dermatology-related websites was founded by a prestigious group of international dermatologists. It provides comprehensive information for patients and physicians about the skin, its care and various skin conditions and treatments. All content is reviewed by an independent Board of Medical Advisors to ensure that the information is accurate, unbiased and up-to-date. This information is not intended to replace a consultation with your own physician.

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