When somebody in the family comes down with the flu, all it takes is a couple of hours for the virus to spread. But this helpful guide will help stop germs in their tracks, keeping everyone at home healthy and flu-free.
From the kitchen to the bathroom, keep illness at bay with these room-specific strategies and prevention tips.
In the kitchen
Did you know that 60 percent of refrigerator handles, drawer knobs, and light switches test positive for the flu virus in a home when one person in the family is sick? And, to top it all off, the virus can live for up to three days! So, keep germs from spreading by wiping down these hot spots and other frequently touched surfaces with disinfectant.
In the bedroom
When someone in the family is sick, keep germs from spreading by washing your bedding daily and tumble dry on high heat. On this note, even though the linens may contain germs, it's okay to mix it with the rest of your family's laundry when in the wash. Alternatively, if your spouse is feeling under the weather, sleeping in a separate bed may feel unkind, but it's your best defense against the flu.
In the bathroom
Keeping the lid of the toilet closed when a family member is sick is essential. When you have a viral infection, the organisms are in your stool. And as unpleasant as it may sound, when you flush, germs are spat into the air, potentially contaminating nearby bathroom countertops, hand towels, and toothbrushes. But putting the toilet lid down before you flush ought to keep things in your bathroom germ-free.
In the dining room
When someone in the family is feeling under the weather, serve cranberry juice. Research shows that people who sipped about 8 ounces of cranberry juice daily for 10 days saw a boost in their immune cells, helping to diminish cold and flu symptoms. The juice is known to contain polyphenols (abundant micro-nutrients, known to prevent degenerative diseases such as cancer) which has also been shown to support a healthy heart.
In the foyer
Keep hand sanitizer on your entryway table, serving as a reminder to clean your hands upon walking through the door. Studies show that over 80 percent of common infections are spread through contaminated hands, so using a hand sanitizer, even if it's just once a day, can seriously reduce your risk of getting sick.
Airing out a room is also important when someone at home is feeling a little unwell. Opening a window, even if it's just for an hour, will help cleanse the air, allowing fresh oxygen to come in - making everyone at home feel much better.
In the living room
Be sure to clean your remote controls with disinfectant to remove any germs. And be sure to give all doorknobs a wipe too - they tend to be a germ hot spot.
In the study
It may surprise you to discover that your workspace harbors 400 times more bacteria than your toilet. Whenever possible, be sure to use a disinfectant wipe to clean your desk and appliances like your phone and keyboard, at least once a week.
Important! These Everyday Objects Need to Be Cleaned!
There are certain things in our homes that we forget or don't even know we need to clean, so here are 15 everyday items that you should clean today.
Make the Most Out of Your Closet Space With These Top Tips
Do you feel like screaming every time you open your closet door? These 7 cost-effective tips will help you get all the space you need!
8 Of the DIRTIEST Household Items and How to Clean Them
Even in the cleanest of homes, germs might be lurking in the most surprising everyday items. These are 8 items you should look out for and clean regularly.
Watch Out! The Following 11 Places Are Full of Germs!
We come into contact with harmful bacteria every single day, even in places we'd expect it the least. Here are 11 places that are actually full of germs.
Your Home Decor Could be Physically Stressing You Out
These home interior decorating tips will create a calming space in your home.
Here's How to Properly Kill Germs on Your Kitchen Sponge
Your kitchen sponge can contain a lot of nasty bacteria. Click here to learn how to properly sanitize it!
Woah! Who Knew the Humble Fork Had This Many Uses?
Have a look at these unique but very useful fork hacks - they'll make your life a whole lot easier!
Learn How to Grow Your Favorite Fruit and Veggies Indoors
All these plants are delicious, packed full of healthy nutrients and easy-to-grow even if you don’t have a yard or garden
Look At the Eyes: How to Tell When People Are Lying
According to NLP, one can know whether a person is lying or not only through the eyes. Learn how to do this with the help of this guide ...
17 Organizing Hacks You Will Actually Use
Get more organized at home with these effective and cheap organization hacks.
Make a Difference to Your Local Wildlife with These Tips!
If you have a garden you can make a huge difference to the local wildlife. Here are some easy tips that will help you help the wildlife in your backyard.
Surprising Ways to Use ChapStick You Might Not Know About
Here are some of my favorite uses for this unassuming household product.
Transform Your Room with These DIY Painting Tips
Painting your own room may seem like a daunting task. But here are some useful tips that will make the job easier.
62 Great Uses For Things You Have at Home!
If you keep finding random objects around your house such as rubber bands and old clothespins, don't throw them away just yet!
Is Your Garden Healthy? Test It with These Soil Tips
How healthy is your garden? Test it out with these helpful tips.
Going Gray? Add These 7 Foods to Your Shopping List!
Adds these foods to your weekly shopping list to prevent your hair from turning gray.
How to Spot a Liar with These 8 Tell-Tale Signs
It's actually really easy to tell if someone is lying to you. Follow this simple 8 part guide and you'll know who's telling porkies.
Hate Cough Syrup? This Home Remedy Works Even Better!
This natural home remedy for a bad cough is just as effective as cough syrup!
The Best Natural Methods to Controlling Excess Sweat
While sweating can be good for you, sometimes it can be embarrassing and cause a foul odor. Discover natural ways to prevent excess sweating.
These Guides Are Chock-a-Block With Helpful Info
Take our advice – keep these useful guides at hand for they might come in use someday.
Know the Signs: The Complete Guide to Body Language!
You can learn a lot about a person’s intent by reading his body language, so find out just what that wink meant with this helpful guide.
12 Indoor Gardening Hacks You Must Know
Even if you can’t say about yourself that you have a green thumb, you can try yourself with indoor gardening, and these 12 tips will help
Here Are the Top Ten Uses for Baking Soda
This video demonstrates how to use baking soda to solve a number of daily problems!
Choose the SAFE Way to Remove Mold From Your Home
Mold is not only unsightly, it can also be a health risk. Learn how to recognize it and get rid of it with ease.
Wasting Time: 5 Misconceptions About Time That Delay Us
How to use our time in a way that will help us to bring happiness and success.
Try this Ancient Indian Method for Removing Body Hair
An ancient and natural method that both men and women have been using for centuries to get rid of unnecessary hair from their bodies.
14 Tips to Give Tired Old Furniture a New Lease On Life
Have you got a pieces of furniture or fixtures and fittings that are looking tired? Try these 14 tips to give them added longevity and a new lease of life.
Book Recommendations: 10 of the Best Reads for Dog Lovers
If your best friend is a dog, then you’ll this list of the best book about dogs.
Challenge Your Friends to 10 Bets They Can Never Win!
Amaze and annoy your friends by showing them off with these 10 "unbeatable" bets!
How to Fold a Shirt in Just Under 2 Seconds!
A great DIY guide to folding shirt in just 2 seconds each!
Have You Been Making These Toilet Paper Mistakes Too?
The next time you use toilet paper, avoid these mistakes.
What Causes Large Pores, And What Can You Do About It?
Do you have large pores? This guide will tell you what you need to do to diminish them.
Senior Health Guide: Working Out With Weights
Every senior must watch this video.
9 Tips to Ensure You Drink Enough Healthy Water Every Day!
Water is so important for our health it's hard to overstate. But most people find it rather dull. So, here are some tips to make sure you get enough.
Who Knew Mustard Had So Many Helpful Uses?
10 uses you may have never known you can put mustard to.
9 Tips for Smelling Good All Day Long
Everyone feels self-conscious about the way they smell sometimes. These 9 tips will help you smell good and maintain it during the day.
10 Everyday Home Hacks To Make Your Life a Breeze
These terrific life tips will make you wonder why you've never thought of them before...
Should You Choose or Avoid Copper Pans?
Copper is a great antibacterial metal. Why then don't we all cook in it? This video will help you decide.
15 Awesome Tips Just For Women!
At home, at work or in the middle of the street, there are situations that only women can understand. The following 15 tips are for women only!
40 Common Tourist Traps to Avoid on Your Next Vacation!
If you're planning a trip abroad, please be aware of these 40 common tourist scams!
Testing 10 Amazon Phone Gadgets: Are They Any Good?
Are these phone gadgets as good as advertised? Let's check it out.
WATCH: I Had No Idea Coconut Oil Was THIS Useful!
Coconut oil is a substance you need both in your kitchen and in your medicine cabinet, as you're about to see with these 10 unexpected uses.
STOP! Before You Throw Your Egg Shells, Read This...
Egg shells have a plethora of useful properties.
11 Reasons Why Garlic Is a Gardener's Best Friend
Not only is garlic extremely tasty, but it is also very effective in the garden. Check out its uses here.
Use This Tip to Slice Onions Safely, Easily & Beautifully
Slicing onions using only a knife is very difficult - and quite dangerous too. But with this amazing tip you'll keep your fingers safe and the slices perfect!
11 Superb Solutions to Turn an Old Looking Item into New
With these secrets, your old-looking items will look brand new once again!
These 8 Beauty Items Are Useless and Not Worth Your Money
The average American woman uses 16 beauty products daily. But most of these are a waste of money. Take a look.