Wash your hands. It’s the best and easiest way to prevent the spread of disease. Banish viruses by scrubbing for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, before eating, and especially after being around ill people.
Keep your kitchen clean. Pay special attention to counters, cabinet doors, faucet handles, sink, and refrigerator, by wiping often with a detergent. Clean the kitchen sponge after each use by dipping in a solution of one-part bleach to nine-parts water; let air dry. These steps will lessen the risk of food-borne illness.
Disinfect other germy areas around the house once a week. This includes remote controls, phones, computer keyboards, light switches, and doorknobs. Clean any place touched often by people’s hands.
Get plenty of sleep each night. To recharge the immune system, most people need seven to eight hours of snooze-time per night. You’ll know you’re well rested if you don’t need an alarm to wake up in the morning.
Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated maintains moist mucous membranes, which physically block the entrance of viruses through the nose, eyes, and mouth.
—V.D.T.
