Desks, door knobs, chairs, and phones – if you can name it, it’s probably covered in millions of microscopic bacteria that can give you a nasty cold. Flu season is at its peak between the months of October and February, before it begins to taper off by April. There are many things you can do to help yourself stay healthy during this time, and if you’re one of the unfortunate ones to catch it, there are various ways you can keep your germs to yourself. 

The last thing anyone wants to do is catch a cold. You become especially vulnerable to germs in the winter because the cold dry air creates a perfect path for the bacteria to travel to your body. It’s also common for people to spend more time indoors to escape the weather. However, spending time in closed spaces like classrooms or offices, and breathing in the same circulated air, creates a perfect invitation that no germ could deny.

Germs enter your body through your mouth, nose, eyes, and breaks in your skin. That’s what makes you sick. Ms. Barry, Point Boro’s school nurse, gave important information on how students can prevent themselves from getting sick in school. “You really have to think about what you are doing and think about the germs that are everywhere in the building. If you use your brain it is simple- wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands.” Soap and water will be your best friend. Just because washing your hands is effective doesn’t mean that’s all you can do. You can wipe down surfaces, keep your distance from people, and not share drinks. Germs can live on many things for 2 hours. That gives you plenty of time to touch an infected surface and transfer it into your body, so be careful.

Also, if you are one of the people walking around with a stuffy nose and sore throat, make sure you’re mindful of everyone else. No one wants you coughing and sneezing all over them. Make sure to keep your distance and cover your mouth when you cough. This lets you keep your germs to yourself until you are feeling better again. You want to take extra care of your body too, and the best ways are to get enough sleep, eat healthy, and drink plenty of water. Ms. Barry also suggests to stay away from your phone at night because it distracts you from self care. With these helpful tips hopefully you can stay healthy, and fight off those germs!