How to Avoid Cold and Flu Germs on Public Transportation

Learn how to avoid catching colds and flu on public transportation.

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The cold and flu season is already upon us, and the number of cases will only increase as the weather gets colder. Colds and flu germs are passed along most easily in the winter months, when people spend more time indoors in crowded conditions, rather than outside in the fresh air.

If you are concerned about cold and flu germs laying you low this season, and travel on public transportation, here are some things you can do to try to avoid getting sick.

*Travel during non-rush hour times
Travel during off-peak times, when there will be fewer people on the trains and buses, and therefore less chance of being exposed to cold and flu germs. Head into work early and leave early, or leave later in the day and stay later.

*Stay away from people who are clearly ill
We are amazed by the number of people who are obviously ill who are riding public transportation, coughing and sneezing the whole way and spreading their germs to anyone in their near vicinity. There is not much you can do if someone sneezes or coughs right in your face, but you can at least move to the other end of the car or bus if you see someone is sniffling, snuffling or coughing.

*Avoid touching poles and other surfaces
We are also amazed at the number of people who cough or sneeze into their hand and then put it right back on the pole to hold on as they are riding the bus or train, without any thought for the germs they are spreading. The new rules are to try to cough or sneeze into your upper arm to avoid spraying germs everywhere.

*Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose and mouth.
You can easily spread any germs you might have come into contact with by touching your face or rubbing your eyes. So if you have no choice and have to hang onto one of the poles on the bus or train, keep in mind what we said above about the people who cough or sneeze into their hands and then grip onto the pole, and do not touch your own face. In particular, avoid the nose, mouth and eyes.

*Wash your hands and face whenever you arrive at your destination
One of the best ways to stay germ free is to wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water. If you have been straphanging to get to work, be sure to wash your hands and your face as soon as you get to your office or back home to avoid spreading any germs you might have come into contact with.

*Telecommute to work more often in the winter
If possible, see if your job will allow you to work from home a bit more often in the winter, especially if the weather is bad. You will save time and energy on the commute and be able to avoid more germs. You will also avoid the germs of any colleagues who are sick but come into work anyway.

*Stay home if you are sick
Finally, if you do become sick, do everyone a favor and stay home for a day or two to either rest, or work from home. In this way you can do your part to avoid spreading colds and flu throughout public transportation and in your office.

*Consider getting a flu shot
A flu shot is no guarantee that you will not catch the flu, but it can help boost your immunity against it. They are inexpensive, or covered by insurance, and suitable for anyone who is not allergic to eggs. If you are over age 50 and/or have a compromised immune system in some way, a flu shot can help you stay well this winter.

Colds and flu are not only inconvenient for us, they result in a great deal of lost productivity every year. In addition, there is now a growing body of evidence that suggests that the latest strains of flu that have emerged in recent years can actually cause permanent respiratory damage. Keep you and your family safe if you travel on public transportation with the help of these easy to implement hints and tips.

To learn more, download Colds and Flu: How to Stay Safe and teach yourself and your children how to be germ-fighters, not germ magnets.

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How to Avoid Cold and Flu Germs on Public Transportation
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How to Avoid Cold and Flu Germs on Public Transportation
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Learn how to avoid catching colds and flu on public transportation, to keep you and your family safe this cold and flu season.
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