Thursday, November 08, 2007

Cold and Flu Prevention

Advice on treating winter colds and flus circulate as quickly as germs-but does it any of it work?
Q.Can flying an airplane make you sick?
A.Yes, especially if you're sitting within six feet of someone who is sneezing,coughing and spewing germs into the dry air. Because is recirculated in the close quarter of the plane's cabin, certain kind of germs may stay suspended, and you can end up breathing them in. Drink lots of water, and consider using a saline nasal spray to keep your mucous membranes moist.
Q.Can you toothbrush or lipstick reinfect you after you've been sick?
A.It's not likely."If you just come out of a cold, don't toss it," once you've had a particular viral illness, you've protected on it."
Q.Can you get sick from touching a doorknob?
A.Yes. Germs last longer than you think. Viruses can survive up to three days on surfaces and inanimate objects, that why it's a good idea to carry your own pen. To reduce the number of germs , be sure to zap hot spot ( the phone, for instance)regularly at home and at work with a disinfecting product.
Q.Can you catch the same cold or flu in the same season?
A.You can't get exactly the same one,as your body will have developed antibodies to it. But "cold and flu viruses mutate, so they subtly different form of the virus. Getting one type doesn't protect you from another. Even if you've had the flu vaccine,if a different strain of the flu virus is going around, you could catch it.
Q.Is it safe to exercise with a cold?
A.Do a "neck check":If you're symptoms are in or above your neck-say if you have stuffy nose, a headache, and a mildly sore throat and your sneezing-it's fine to work out,but if your symptoms extend below the neck-if you have cough,a fever,body aches, or chills-take a break from exercising until you feel better.
Q.Can going outside with wet hair in the make you sick?
A.Exposure to an infection, not cold temperature, can make you sick. But if your body gets cold, it could get physically stressed because it's using a lot of energy to try to stay warm, and you might be more likely to catch an infection.To avoid stressing your body unnecessary,dry your hair before going out in the cold,or wear a hat.

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