I found the following very helpful information at the online Farmers’ Almanac in an article entitled ‘Never Sneeze Into Your Hand.’ I’m especially interested in the following hints because we have had one sickness after another this winter.
Eliminating germs in your home may prevent some illnesses. Here are a few ways to help show germs to the door:
- Allow fresh airflow in your home daily. Open a window or outside door for a few minutes each day.
- Change the filter on your heating and air conditioning system at least once every 3 months.
- Change your toothbrush after recovering from a sore throat. In the winter, change your toothbrush monthly.
- Disinfect doorknobs, light switches, and all cabinet knobs when there is sickness in your household to prevent spreading germs to other family members.
- Soak drinking glasses used by sick family members in the sink with warm water and a teaspoon of bleach for five minutes before washing.
- Wash bed sheets and towels in the hottest water possible, adding ½ cup vinegar to each washer load.
- Don’t share pillows with sick family members. Sick persons should use their own bed pillow when resting on the sofa.
- Take Vitamin C supplements, or eat fresh citrus fruit.
- Always wash your hands after using a Kleenex or caring for the sick.
- Never sneeze into your hand. If a Kleenex or handkerchief is not available, sneeze into the inner elbow of your shirt sleeve.
- When you are sick with a fever, chicken soup, herbal teas, and ginger ale are soothing and help keep you hydrated.
©Deborah S. Tukua, www.hollycreekbooks.com. Deborah is the author of Pearls of Country Wisdom.