Preparing for Cold and Flu Season

Though we still have several weeks of sweltering temperatures left in the year, there’s no denying that we all get a bit excited when we step outside and feel that slight chill in the air! The last quarter of the year is an exciting time for everyone: holidays, celebrations, family time, community events – what’s not to look forward to? But as the fall and winter months get closer, so does cold and flu season. When it comes to keeping your customers healthy and happy, Nichols is always here to help.

The chilly months of December-February make up the official time period of cold and flu season, though studies show an increase in respiratory infections during and after community-associated events. These events like going back to school, trick-or-treating, and even large family gatherings can be considered especially dangerous and germ-infested. Don’t worry, we aren’t asking anyone to hole up in their homes for the rest of the year! There are a few ways to be conscientious of your actions and courteous towards others to keep everyone safe and healthy.

First things first, limit your exposure to people if you’re sick. The world quickly adapted to the isolated demands that came along with COVID-19, it’s time to take advantage of them! If the option is available to you, work remotely that day to prevent spreading germs to your coworkers. Could this meeting have happened virtually or over email? Or if your child is feeling sick, it may be better to keep them at home as opposed to infecting the other children around them at school.

One lesson they’ll never take out of school is the importance of handwashing. Be careful of where you are sneezing or coughing, and make sure you’re washing your hands after each occurrence. Washing your hands after touching shared surfaces is also recommended, surfaces like keyboards, computer mice, door handles, countertops, the list goes on! We don’t have to be fearful of public spaces, but we should be aware how to protect ourselves from infections.

Lastly, and probably the simplest way to stay healthy, is to take the steps to keep your immune system in check. Getting eight hours of sleep at night, eating right, and trying to stay active are small ways to keep your body strong enough to fight off germs. These lifestyle adaptations are the ones broadcasted to us most often through infographics and posters, but that’s for a reason! Following simple guidelines like these can help keep your own immune system strong and your community safe, now that’s a message Nichols can get behind.