2008 Woodie Awards
How to avoid the sniffles this year
Lainie Frost
Issue date: 11/17/05 Section: Lifestyle
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Combating illnesses this winter might not be as difficult as one may think.
While according to the Emerson Collge Center for Health and Wellness Web site, there is no sure way to prevent the cold or flu, there are some general precautions that can help lower your chances of contracting an illness.
The center suggests students wash their hands often and keep their stress level down.
The Web site said that by avoiding long-term stress, students can prevent the flu and common cold. Those who are prone to stress, as well as individuals who partake in smoking or who have friends who smoke, are more likely to catch a cold or the
flu, the center said.
"If you have been thinking of quitting smoking, now is a good time to stop," said Jane Powers, director of the center.
Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze will help prevent the spread of illness as well, as germs are spread through droplets from sneezes, said Nurse Marilyn Cook of Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates. Cook also suggested that students wipe down communal telephones in offices to avoid being infected.
Other preventative measures include getting plenty of rest, eating well and using disposable tissues.
Having a personal thermometer so a fever can be monitored, as well as a copious variety of hydrating options, such as juice and tea, is also ideal, Powers said.
Stock up on microwaveable soups, apple juice, honey, salt packets or disposable shakers so you can mix with warm water for a gargle, she said.
While these methods do not involve using a prescription drug or an herbal supplement, they are ways for people to lessen their chances of getting the cold or flu.
But, before seeking the aid of a physician or the help of a Naturopath (a doctor who deals with homeopathic and herbal medicines), students should understand the symptoms of the cold and flu as well, Powers said.
"It's not unusual to have a temperature over 101 degrees Fahrenheit with the flu," Powers said. "Any temperature that remains over 100.5 for more than two days without decreasing with fluids and Ibuprofen or Tylenol products should be medically evaluated.
Consider that cold/flu symptoms can last from three to 10 days and review the guidelines for when to contact a medical professional."
Such guidelines can be found under "When to Seek Medical Care" on Emerson's Health and Wellness Web site.
While according to the Emerson Collge Center for Health and Wellness Web site, there is no sure way to prevent the cold or flu, there are some general precautions that can help lower your chances of contracting an illness.
The center suggests students wash their hands often and keep their stress level down.
The Web site said that by avoiding long-term stress, students can prevent the flu and common cold. Those who are prone to stress, as well as individuals who partake in smoking or who have friends who smoke, are more likely to catch a cold or the
flu, the center said.
"If you have been thinking of quitting smoking, now is a good time to stop," said Jane Powers, director of the center.
Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze will help prevent the spread of illness as well, as germs are spread through droplets from sneezes, said Nurse Marilyn Cook of Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates. Cook also suggested that students wipe down communal telephones in offices to avoid being infected.
Other preventative measures include getting plenty of rest, eating well and using disposable tissues.
Having a personal thermometer so a fever can be monitored, as well as a copious variety of hydrating options, such as juice and tea, is also ideal, Powers said.
Stock up on microwaveable soups, apple juice, honey, salt packets or disposable shakers so you can mix with warm water for a gargle, she said.
While these methods do not involve using a prescription drug or an herbal supplement, they are ways for people to lessen their chances of getting the cold or flu.
But, before seeking the aid of a physician or the help of a Naturopath (a doctor who deals with homeopathic and herbal medicines), students should understand the symptoms of the cold and flu as well, Powers said.
"It's not unusual to have a temperature over 101 degrees Fahrenheit with the flu," Powers said. "Any temperature that remains over 100.5 for more than two days without decreasing with fluids and Ibuprofen or Tylenol products should be medically evaluated.
Consider that cold/flu symptoms can last from three to 10 days and review the guidelines for when to contact a medical professional."
Such guidelines can be found under "When to Seek Medical Care" on Emerson's Health and Wellness Web site.
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