Taking proper care to kill germs after you come into contact with these germ hotspots can be one of the keys to staying healthy this season. The tricky part is many of these hotspots are places you encounter when you’re on the go and aren’t necessarily close to a sink. That’s where keeping a portable hand sanitizer handy like those offered from PURELL (R) can help.

The gas station and convenience store
When you’re pumping gas, have you ever thought about how many other hands have touched the same pump since the last time it was wiped down? A recent study confirmed that gas pumps are one of the filthiest items we encounter in everyday life. After you fill your tank, your next move should be to reach for that bottle of hand sanitizer in your car. And while cashiers typically work hard to keep their counters clean, it’s never a bad idea to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after exchanging cash or touching other common areas in the store.

The gym
Most health clubs go to great lengths to keep equipment clean and make members feel comfortable. But if you’re hopping on the treadmill right after someone else, it never hurts to use a sanitizing wipe, which many clubs keep readily available. Pay it forward by using another one when you are done.

Grocery store
If you’re a parent, you know that it’s not just the driver’s hands that are getting all over the shopping cart, since kids tend to be obsessed with any moving object with wheels. Consider using a sanitizing wipe before touching a grocery cart. Once you’re done shopping, cleansing your hands and any younger shopping companions’ hands with sanitizer is a good way to stem the spread of germs that might have been picked up from frequently touched surfaces in the store.

The mall
Escalator and stair railings, as well as drinking fountains and armrests on benches, see a lot of action throughout the day and collect germs quickly. Put those sanitizing stations in the shopping center’s hallways to good use after touching these areas.

At work
Frequently touching your desk, phone and keyboard means germs multiply at your work station. Keeping tissues and hand sanitizer at your desk can also be helpful for those emergencies when you can’t leave your seat immediately to get to the sink.

There’s no way to avoid germs altogether during the winter germ season, but you can take action by recognizing some of the most common areas where germs tend to congregate. By keeping your bottle of PURELL (R) Hand Sanitizer close, you’ll make sure you can keep your hands fresh and clean no matter where you are.

The post Germ Hotspots to Look Out For During Cold and Flu Season first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

There are many strains of flu viruses, but the flu vaccine protects against the three most prevalent strains each year. There are two common ways of receiving the flu vaccine – the seasonal shot and a nasal spray. The seasonal shot is recommended for most individuals over 6 months old and contains an inactivated form of the vaccine, which cannot make you sick.

The nasal spray, which contains a live, but very weak strain of the flu, is recommended for healthy individuals, ages 2 to 49.

“Although I strongly recommend getting the flu vaccine, it is important to recognize that the flu vaccine is not intended for everyone, particularly individuals with severe allergic reactions to eggs. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the potential side effects from the vaccine,” says Bradford.

Fact or fiction: I got the flu vaccine last year, so I don’t have to worry this year.
Fiction.

The influenza virus that causes the flu is constantly evolving, and the most common strains of the virus can change from year to year.

“Even if you got the flu vaccine last year, you are still at risk for getting it again this year, so it is important to get a flu shot once each season,” says Bradford.

Fact or fiction: I’m a healthy adult. I can fight the flu off on my own, so I don’t need a flu shot.
Fiction.

Even if you are a healthy adult, if you contract the flu then you can start spreading the virus up to a full day before you exhibit symptoms, and for five to seven days afterwards.

“This means that even if you are healthy enough to fight off the flu on your own, you could be putting others at risk of infection without even realizing it. This is why we recommend the flu vaccine for everyone who is able to take it,” says Bradford.

Fact or fiction: I can wait to get the flu vaccine.
Fiction.

In fact, the timing of flu season is unpredictable – it can come as early as October or as late as May. The most common months for flu season are January and February, but everyone is encouraged to get a flu shot as soon as it becomes available in their area.

“We never know when the flu will hit – it could come early this year. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to take effect, so don’t wait until it’s too late to get the vaccine,” says Critical Care Registered Nurse Jan Adams, a nursing instructor at Everest University in Brandon, Fla.  Getting a flu shot before December is highly recommended to help you avoid the peak flu season.

In addition, many locations can run low on vaccinations periodically throughout the flu season due to the difficulties in manufacturing and distributing the high volume of vaccinations needed each year. “This means that it is important to act early – getting the vaccine when it is available and convenient for you will help you avoid a last-minute search for the vaccine,” says Adams.

The post Fact Versus Fiction this Flu Season first appeared on The How Do Gardener.