Sniffle Solutions

Would you believe: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu season can continue into the spring months of April or May. So if you haven’t had the flu shot already, it’s not too late to protect yourself and your family.

The common cold typically lasts seven to nine days, but people feel the worst on days two through four. 

Linens, dishes and eating utensils should not be shared between people who are healthy and those who have a cold or flu. Always wash them thoroughly before sharing.

Surprising but true: You are more apt to catch a cold from shaking someone’s hand than from kissing them – on the cheek, that is.

A recent study found that only 15 percent of people dispense the right amount when pouring liquid medication, such as cough syrup. So be careful to use the dosing cup when taking medication or giving it to your child. Follow all dosing instructions carefully.

A cough is among the most common reasons patients see a physician. In fact, there are typically about 32.5 million office visits each year for complains of coughing.

Remove all food and crumbs from the family car every day to avoid food-borne bacteria from developing and creating an unhealthy environment. 

How many Americans wash their hands more than 10 times a day? Over half of the entire population.

Commercial airplanes use air filters that stop pathogens from spreading through the plane’s ventilation system.

When handling money, be aware that germs can remain on bills for an hour or longer. 

Be sure to moisturize your hands regularly, as small cracks in dry skin can be entry points for unwanted germs.

After washing your hands, always dry them completely. Germs are far more likely to survive on moist surfaces.

Flu symptom alert: About half of adults who have the H1N1 virus are reporting gastrointestinal problems.

The best way to get rid of germs on your hands is to wash with soap and clean running water for a full 20 seconds. 

You can have a cold or flu and spread it to others for a full 24 hours before you experience your first symptom.

When using a sanitizing gel, continue to rub hands until completely dry. Germs can attach more readily to -- and multiply more quickly on -- moist surfaces.

It's best to stay 6 feet away from someone who has the flu, because the virus spreads in droplets when people talk, cough or sneeze.