We heard it on the radio. CBC no less.

Dr. Michael Gardam, director of the infection prevention and control unit at the University Health Network in Toronto, suggested three proven ways to avoid getting sick with flu, colds and other respiratory illnesses:

• Get a flu shot.
• Wash your hands — often
• Don’t touch your face

“The flu shot definitely works,” said Dr. Michael Gardam, director of the infection prevention and control unit at the University Health Network in Toronto.

“Overall, roughly 60 per cent protection each year, so it’s certainly better than doing nothing and there’s really no downside.”

Handwashing also has support in the medical literature, he said.

“Studies have shown that if you wash your hands at least five times a day you will significantly reduce your risk,” of getting respiratory viruses.

Whether hand washing protects against flu viruses in particular isn’t known, Gardam said.

Many studies also suggest that respiratory viruses infect us by entering through the eyes, nose and mouth.

People catch colds from being coughed on or from surfaces, such as touching a contaminated handle and then rubbing your nose.

It’s less clear how flu viruses spread person to person, he said.

Get a flu shot

Don’t touch your face

Wash your hands – at least 5 times a day

Source: CBC | Dr. Michael Gardam

This entry was posted on Friday, December 21st, 2012 at 9:36 am and is filed under Longwoods Online.