| By :
Eva Judge
Many of us only wash our hands after using the restroom. While this is a good habit, you should make it a point to wash your hands frequently throughout the day. Every now and then, stop what you are doing and go wash your hands or use hand sanitizer - it can help you avoid the flu. Wash Your Hands - And Get The Influenza Vaccine - Getting the influenza vaccine is a great first step in preventing the flu. However, when paired with consistent and frequent hand washing, it works a whole lot better. If you get the vaccine but aren't very good about washing your hands, you're still going to be at risk for contracting the flu. It should be noted that hand washing won't eliminate the risk of getting sick - but it does dramatically reduce that risk. Face Touching Increases Risk Of Flu - Studies have shown that the average person touches their face many, many times over the period of just an hour or so. As your hands go from thing to thing, they collect all sorts of germs. Touching your face with your hands, then, introduces many germs to the sensitive membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth. The eyes, especially, are gateways for germs and viruses to enter the body. By washing your hands regularly - and not touching your face too often - you can drastically cut back your chances of getting the flu. Wash And/Or Sanitize Regularly - Washing your hands is one thing, however knowing the proper techniques of washing your hands will maximise the benefits of performing the task on a regular basis. Start out by washing your hands with soap and warm, running water for approximately fifteen to twenty seconds. Take care to wash every part of your hands, including the backs, the cuticles and under the nails. Rinse them thoroughly when finished, and turn off the faucet using a paper towel. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel, then use another one to open the door when leaving the room. When washing facilities aren't readily available, keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer and use that instead. Use Good Habits - Hand washing is one of the very best habits that you can develop if you want to reduce your odds of getting the flu. Flu vaccines are also very useful and you should get yours every year. When sneezing or coughing, use the crook of your arm to cover your mouth and nose instead of your hands - this will keep those pesky germs off of them. If someone near you sneezes or coughs without covering up, find the nearest place to wash your hands and do so as quickly as possible.
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