How to Avoid Communicable Diseases

You may feel like there is nothing you can do to prevent winter viruses, but that is not the case. There are a lot of steps you can take that could prevent catching communicable diseases. Here are seven tips that could help you avoid the pain such problems can cause.

1) Dietary Defenses: What you eat and drink are an important part of disease resistance. Making sure your choices are healthy, nutrient rich and have lots of fiber. Proper hydration is also a must. In the liquid department, make sure that you have plenty non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic choices, as they can act as a diuretic.

2) How Much Disinfectant is too Much?: There is actually a fine line between a good amount and too much. Wiping down common surfaces is a good idea, but should not be done on an hourly basis unless you are in public. You probably should wipe down the shopping cart every time you use one, but do your own doors, light switches and handles only once weekly unless someone in your home is actively ill.

3) Sneeze Protocol: When you were young, you were probably taught to cover a cough or sneeze with your hand. Now you are advised to use your elbow, and if you think about it, it is a good idea. We touch a lot of stuff, including other people, with our hands. Germs and viruses can be spread very quickly this way.

4) To Supplement or not to Supplement: Some supplements can be safely taken on a regular basis, as long as you follow the directions on the label. Others should only be taken if you have been exposed to an illness or you can feel one coming on. Zinc and Vitamin C are probably ok for daily use. Keep in mind that too much zinc can be harmful. Taking more than the recommended amount of C is a waste of money, as your body will simply send what it doesn't need right out.

Echinacea should only be taken after you've been exposed or when you feel yourself beginning to become ill. Taking it on a regular basis could mess up your immune system. If you take immunosuppressants or if you have an autoimmune disorder, don't take it. Also, be aware that goldenseal has no immune properties. It is a digestive herb.

5) Vaccinate: There is no vaccination for colds, but there is usually one for the flu. There are a number of other diseases wandering around out there that can also affect you, and you may be in need of a booster shot to prevent them. As an example, California is currently experiencing whooping cough (also known as pertussis) epidemic. Six or seven infants have died and there has been a surge in people catching it. While you're at it, make sure your children are up to date. The diseases really are worse than even the mythical side effects.

6) Wash those Hands: Mom was right. Frequent hand washing is associated with disease prevention. Use soap and warm water is one of your best defenses against communicable diseases.

7) When to Use Hand Sanitizer: A lot of people I know are very into hand sanitizers. They carry it in their purse or pocket and use it several times a day. With a few exceptions, this is a really bad idea. Two things to keep in mind here; most of these are alcohol based and they will dry your skin out. Second, overuse of hand sanitizer could lead to a weakened immune system.

There are a few good reasons to use a lot of this stuff. For example, if you work with small children or in a medical environment, you will be exposed to more diseases than if you spent all of your day in a cubicle hunched over a keyboard. You may also have difficulties getting to a sink every time you touch something potentially germy. This sort of circumstance may cry out for the portable gel.

If you are concerned that you may be more susceptible to catching communicable diseases, you may want to talk to your doctor. You can ask the doctor about the supplements mentioned in this article and he or she can help you decide which are right for you. Make sure the doctor knows about any medical conditions and all of the medications and supplements you use. This will help prevent side effects and possible drug/herb interactions.

My eBook the Complete Guide to Complementary Remedies, has information from all of my mini books, plus much more. Topics include:

Sprains: Page 33
Colds and Flu: Page 59
Herbs for Male Health: Page 72
Women's Issues Page 83

Our site has information on many topics and my five eBooks about herbal remedies. You can also download my free report, the Top Ten Herbs. It details ten popular herbs, their uses, side effects, precautions and drug interactions. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me: mary@healing-home-remedies.com