Are you dreading the cold and flu this season? Tips to lessen the impact!
As the season turns to fall and winter, cold and flu prevention is something we all may want to pay special attention to. First, most of us know what the cold and flu are, and how they impact our families throughout our work, school, and social life. Studies show, to help protect yourself and others, the best strategy is still, washing our hands and covering our mouths when coughing and sneezing.
What is the leading cause of common cold?
Rhinoviruses are the main cause at 30% – 50% of all common colds and are responsible for more cases of human illness than any other infectious agent (1). Also, on average, kids suffer from 6 – 8 colds per year and adults typically range from 4 – 6 colds per year (2).
What are some symptoms?
Most of us recognize the runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, headache and coughing as the cold is coming on and lasting 2 – 3 days after becoming infected. You might even run a slight temperature. These symptoms can last from 2 -14 days. As with many viral infections, the common cold is best treated with rest and plenty of fluids, as doctors have no known cure.
How can you help stop the spread of the Rhinovirus?
The Rhinovirus is spread by touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes after having contact with an infected individual or surface. Airborne transmissions from coughing or sneezing make getting infected also possible with the virus being able to survive on surfaces for up to 3 hours (3).
The prevention is pretty easy to apply: practice proper hand washing techniques as we posted earlier, alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 62% alcohol when you can’t get to a restroom to wash. Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of commonly used surfaces. To lessen the spread of germs through touch avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands. Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
Upcoming information on Influenza and then Norovirus:
(1) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,
www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/commoncold/Pages/cause.aspx
(2) National Center for Biotechnology Information,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2231439/
(3) National Center for Biotechnology Information,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC182122
-Bobbi Dollinger
QualityOne Commercial Cleaning, Inc.
319 Sondrol Ave, Ames, IA 50010