One Big Health Nut

We’ve all been there.  Someone in the house comes down with a cold or, worse, the dreaded stomach virus.  You do not want to be the next victim.  But how do you avoid contracting the stomach virus when you share living quarters?   

Let’s start with the bad news.  You can become infected with the stomach virus up to two days before you start exhibiting symptoms.  This means that by the time the person in your household starts vomiting or complaining of stomach pain/cramps, you may already have contracted the virus.  Of course the incubation period discussed above can be as little as four hours.  So you want to take action as soon as you realize someone in your household is ill. 

Now here is the good news.  You can avoid the stomach flu.  Just follow the instructions below and you may be able to avoid contracting the virus that causes the stomach flu. 

Rule number one:  Wash your hands and wash them frequently.  Studies suggest that if you wash your hands at least five times a day you significantly reduce the chances of becoming ill.   

Rule number two: Keep your hands away from your face.  The majority of illnesses are contracted by touching your hands to your nose, mouth, or eyes.  Avoid touching your face as much as possible.  If you have to touch your face, follow rule number one first and you should still avoid getting sick. 

Rule number three:  Sanitize your living quarters. The virus can live for up to three days on hard surfaces.  Spray Lysol disinfectant on every phone, light switch, door knob, remote control, water faucet/knobs, and toilet flush mechanism in the house.  These are the most commonly touched places in the house.  The person afflicted with the stomach virus may have deposited the virus on any of these surfaces.  If you touch the surfaces, refer to rules one and two. 

Rule number three:  Sanitize your toothbrush.  The toothbrush is in close proximity to all the surfaces the sick person may have touched.  This is especially true if their toothbrush is next to yours.  The virus is airborne and will easily make its way over to your toothbrush.  Soak your toothbrush in alcohol and rinse thoroughly.   

Rule number four:  Do not use a common towel.  If the towel is damp, the virus will thrive on it.  Use a fresh towel.