On top of a pandemic, we still have cold/flu season to worry about. The 2021 Old Farmer’s Almanac has identified ways to lessen the chances of getting one or both of these, plus tips on exactly how and when to wash your hands.

Time-Tested Tips for Fighting Colds and Flus

HOW TO AVOID THE FLU

1. Wash your hands frequently—the right way. (See “How—and When—to Wash Your Hands.”)
2. Keep current on all inoculations (including a flu shot) and medications.
3. Eat a healthy diet.
4. Don’t share food or drinks.
5. Drink plenty of liquids, especially water.
6. Get plenty of sleep.
7. Spend some time outdoors.
8. If you feel fine, exercise.
9. If someone sneezes or coughs without covering, avoid the air that they have just contaminated.
10. In public spaces such as restrooms, use paper towels or tissues to touch the faucet and door handles. Use your shoulder to open non-handled doors.
11. Avoid direct contact with handrails, handles, buttons, and the like in public spaces.
12. Avoid handshakes and hugs, and no kissing, even on cheeks!
13. Do not share washcloths or towels.
14. Avoid touching your fingers to your eyes, nose, mouth, or face.
15. Don’t bite your nails.

HOW—AND WHEN—TO WASH YOUR HANDS

• Use lots of soap and lots of water. (The water temperature is not important.)
• Allow for 2 minutes (or at least 20 seconds) of vigorous scrub time after lathering.
• Scrub not only palms and fingers but also the backs of hands, the skin between fingers, and wrists. Use a nailbrush to scrub beneath fingernails.

When to wash your hands …

• Before and after they are near your face
• Before eating and cooking and after handling any meat or garbage
• After using the bathroom, blowing your nose, and sneezing into a hand
• After changing diapers
• After touching animals or cleaning up after them

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Editor’s note: This information comes from The 2021 Old Farmer’s Almanac. To request a complimentary media review copy or an interview with one of the Almanac’s editors, please contact Samantha Jones via email ([email protected]).