Winter Wellness: A Guide to Common Diseases and Their Prevention

Influenza (Flu) Get a flu shot to protect yourself and others. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and practice respiratory hygiene.

Stay away from sick individuals, and if you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading the virus.

Common Cold Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after being in public places. Avoid close contact with people who have cold symptoms.

Practice good respiratory hygiene, and keep your immune system strong by maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

Norovirus (Winter Vomiting Bug) Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers and before eating or preparing food.

Disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated, and avoid close contact with infected individuals. Be cautious with food handling and preparation.

Strep Throat Practice good hand hygiene, and avoid sharing personal items such as utensils and drinking glasses with someone who is sick.

If you have strep throat, take prescribed antibiotics and complete the full course of treatment. Avoid close contact with individuals who have strep throat symptoms.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Wash hands frequently, especially after being in crowded places.

Avoid close contact with sick individuals, and keep infants away from people who have respiratory symptoms. Ensure good respiratory hygiene, and clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces.