How to keep a cold to yourself

To each his own -- towel, that is
Rather than keeping a couple of communal towels in the bathroom, which can spread germs between family members, everyone should have his or her own towel. In high-traffic areas like the kitchen, consider disposable paper towels rather than cloth dishtowels that are used repeatedly.

Eat your fruits and veggies
A strong immune system can be your best protection against infectious diseases. To shorten the life span of an illness, include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.

Sweet sleep
A lack of sleep, particularly in children, can weaken the body's defences against viruses. Stick to a strict nap and nighttime schedule for your children and try to get eight hours of rest.

Virus vaccination
When it comes to influenza, consider vaccinating your family annually with the flu shot. According to King, the vaccination can lessen the severity of the illness or prevent infection altogether. This is particularly important if you have family members who are considered at high risk for developing serious complications from the flu -- such as very young children or the elderly. Discuss this option with your family doctor.

And the winner is...
We've said it before and we'll say it again, nothing beats good old-fashioned hand washing. "It's the best method of infection control," says King. Be particularly thorough after sneezing or coughing and encourage your children to make hand washing a lifelong habit. For eight easy steps to sparkling clean hands, read the article titled Germs Begone! in the November 2005 issue of Canadian Living.

Although a cold and/or flu is tough to avoid entirely, taking a few precautions and staying dedicated in the fight can limit the spread of illness in your household. And that means a happier, healthier family life for all.

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