Ward off the common flu this season

MANILA, Philippines - The alternate hot and cold weather today is taking its toll on most people. Due to lowered body resistance caused by the sudden change of temperature, it is not unusual to see people blowing their noses and coughing persistently in the malls, cinemas and other public places.

Signs such as these are manifestations of the common flu. Medically known as grippe, the common flu is caused mainly by the Myxovirus influenza, a virus that leads to an acute infection of the respiratory tract. Being a highly contagious disease, people of all age groups may contract and pass on the virus to others.

If one is not careful, there is probable chance of catching the flu from already infected persons who are coughing, or by touching germ-laden things like handrails and doorknobs. But there are ways to keep the disease from developing in your system, such as the following: 

• Get a daily good night’s rest

Getting enough sleep is the key to living a healthy life. Lack of sleep usually makes the body vulnerable to all kinds of infections.

Get at least eight hours of sleep every night. This not only helps you recharge the energy your body needs daily, but it also helps build your immune system to fight off viruses and contagious diseases. The more rest you get, the better chances your body can fight off the common flu.

• Eat properly and hydrate well

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle boils down to having a proper diet by eating the right amount of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as carbohydrates. Sufficient nutrients circulating in the body can fend off viruses and will regulate body temperature to avoid getting the chills.

Good hydration is another habit that doctors recommend. Being well-hydrated means drinking lots of fluids every day to help facilitate excreting body waste, which is one of the major factors that contributes to lowering the immune system.

• Avoid touching your face

After a stroll in the mall and traveling on public transport with dozens of people, keep in mind you have acquired germs along the way. Refrain from touching your face with unprotected hands — especially if you have not washed them. Viruses that produce the common flu are usually transmitted through the eyes, ears, and nose. The face is the usual target for the bacteria to reach your system.

• Wash your hands regularly

The best solution to ward off the common flu is by regularly washing one’s hands. The trick is to not just frequently do it but to properly do so. The hands act as the most reliable transmitter of viruses. A single person can pass on the germs from one place to another by simply touching shared items.

With sinks not accessible at all times, a bottle of hand sanitizer can be handy. For sanitizers with the best disinfection capability, choose the guaranteed quality of Bactigel.

Made up of 68 percent ethyl alcohol, Bactigel is the only locally manufactured hand-sanitizing gel with the highest alcohol content to kill germs and bacteria. It’s a pure disinfectant with no superficial additive and does not leave a sticky feeling even after repeated applications.

Distributed by Kohl Industries Inc., Bactigel comes in a gallon refill of one-liter and 500-ml pump dispensers with optional brackets, a 30-ml bottle, and a new 60-ml bottle.

Bactigel is available at all SM, Mercury, Robinson’s, Shopwise, Rustans, National Bookstore, Pandayan, Dress for Less, South Star Drug, Unimart, Makati Supermarket, Alturas, Finds, Waltermart, CMart, Office Warehouse, Pioneer Center, Eunilane, Kwik B, Office 1, AFPCES, JC Plaza, Unisave, JS Smart Choice, GL del Monte, Budgetlane, Bora Budget Mart, Centerlane, PK & Sons, and Merriam Bookstore outlets nationwide.