Controlling germs during winter

It’s that dreaded time of the year when it seems like everyone is coughing, sneezing and spluttering away. Germs are abundant and it may seem as though it’s almost impossible to avoid catching something, whether it’s a head cold or the flu.

Thankfully, there are a few simple things you can do both at home and at work to help stop the spread of germs and hopefully avoid catching something nasty.

Here are some of our top tips for controlling germs during winter:

• Wash your hands often – colds are passed from person to person in two ways. The first is by inhaling the virus and the second is through hand to hand contact – for example, touching a door handle after someone who has just covered a sneeze with their hands. For that reason, you should wash your hands often, especially after touching things that other people at home or at work have. Make sure to clean underneath your fingernails often well.
• Microwave your toothbrush – ten seconds in the microwave will help kill off any germs. You should also replace your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold, and once a month for general health.
• Purify the air – an air purifier will help remove germs that are floating in the air. Air purifiers circulate the air several times an hour, reducing the amount of airborne germs, dust, pollen, mould spores and dander.
• Open the windows – fresh air flowing throughout your home or office will help flush out germs.
• Reduce the temperature – if your home or office is too hot, viruses will breed easier. Warmer temperatures also dry out the mucous membranes in your nose, which makes it easier for viruses to grow. A humidifier will also help keep germs at bay.
• Clean surfaces regularly – when someone at home or at work has or has had a cold, you should regularly clean all surfaces including door handles, buttons on photocopiers or microwaves, telephones, benches and keyboards. Make sure you use a disinfectant rather than just soap and water.
• Wash your linen – the flu virus can live longer on porous surfaces than in the general environment. It is important to wash all bedding, towels and clothes after you or someone in your home has had a cold. Wash in hot water and tumble dry on a hot setting.