colds and indoor air quality

This is definitely cold and flu season!  Wow!  Schools have even taken days off because so many students and teachers have been affected.  We have probably all been affected by it one way or another.  So, the question is, how can we avoid the colds and flu?  Or, at the very least, reduce the symptoms and duration if we can’t avoid it altogether?  Those are huge questions and there is no one answer.  However, there are a few things we can put in place to at least give us a fighting chance.

First, the quality of the air we are breathing in our homes does play a part.  Obviously once the viruses which cause the colds and flu come into our homes it gets tricky.  Air purifiers are the best bet here.  Just be sure they are quality purifiers made to filter out the smallest pollutants.  Of course, as we generally suggest, get some fresh air introduced as well.  And, always make sure to keep the air filters clean/changed.  If the colds/flu keep recirculating through your family perhaps consider air duct cleaning as well.  Especially if you’ve not had the ducts cleaned in the last five to seven years.

After that it’s the stuff we really already know.  Wash your hands constantly! Try to avoid tight spaces and/or close contact with those who are already sick.  For those of you with kids in school, give those backpacks and lunchboxes a good scrub. Perhaps even consider sending the coats, gloves, hats etc. through a good wash. Remind your kids also to keep their hands away from their eyes, noses and mouths.  I definitely know that is easier said than done.

Of course, if you already feel that cold/flu coming on get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids.  Those words of advice have not changed for eons and won’t anytime soon.  Here’s to doing our best to protect ourselves and our families from the cold/flu season!!