Winter brings an increase in colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses, and public spaces can be hotspots for germs. From shopping malls to school events, being around others during peak cold and flu season requires extra care to avoid catching or spreading illness. Here are practical tips to help reduce your family’s exposure to germs in public spaces during the winter months.
1. Practice Frequent Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to avoid picking up germs in public places:
- Bring Hand Sanitizer: Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water aren’t available.
- Wash Hands Often: If you have access to a restroom, wash hands thoroughly after touching high-contact surfaces or before eating.
- Remind Kids to Avoid Touching Faces: Teach children to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent germs from entering their bodies.
Consistent hand hygiene helps prevent germs from settling on your skin and potentially causing illness.
2. Keep Personal Items to Yourself
Public spaces often encourage sharing, but during cold and flu season, it’s best to keep items personal:
- Avoid Sharing Food and Drinks: Bring your own snacks and drinks to avoid sharing with others in crowded areas.
- Use Personal Pens and Devices: Carry a pen for signing receipts, and avoid using public devices like kiosks or tablets when possible.
- Encourage Kids Not to Share Toys or Books: Explain to children why it’s important to keep their items to themselves in public during winter.
Keeping personal items separate reduces the chance of transferring germs through shared objects.
3. Use Tissues and Elbows for Coughs and Sneezes
Practicing good respiratory etiquette can minimize the spread of germs, protecting both yourself and others:
- Carry Tissues: Encourage everyone to carry tissues to cover coughs and sneezes in public places.
- Use Your Elbow if Necessary: If a tissue isn’t available, sneeze or cough into your elbow rather than your hands.
- Dispose of Tissues Promptly: Place used tissues in a trash bin as soon as possible, and sanitize hands afterward.
Practicing these habits keeps germs from spreading through the air or contaminating surfaces that others may touch.
4. Avoid Crowded Areas When Possible
Close contact with others in crowded spaces can increase your chances of exposure to viruses:
- Visit Public Places During Off-Peak Hours: If possible, plan outings during quieter times to avoid large crowds.
- Opt for Outdoor or Well-Ventilated Spaces: Choose outdoor venues or well-ventilated indoor areas to reduce the concentration of germs in the air.
- Limit Time in Crowded Spaces: Spend less time in crowded locations, especially if someone in your family is at higher risk of illness.
Limiting exposure to large groups can lower your risk of coming into contact with airborne germs.
5. Disinfect High-Touch Items and Surfaces
When you’re out, you’re likely to come into contact with high-touch surfaces, which can carry germs:
- Carry Disinfecting Wipes: Wipe down shopping cart handles, public seats, and high-touch surfaces when in public places.
- Disinfect Your Devices: Use alcohol wipes to clean phones, tablets, and other personal devices after visiting public spaces.
- Wipe Down Personal Bags and Wallets: Items like purses, backpacks, and wallets pick up germs as well, so consider wiping them down after trips.
Regularly disinfecting personal items helps keep germs from being brought back into your home.
6. Be Mindful of Distance and Contact
When it comes to preventing illness, maintaining a little distance can go a long way:
- Maintain Physical Distance When Possible: In crowded spaces, try to keep a comfortable distance from others, especially if someone nearby appears sick.
- Avoid Handshakes or Hugs: A friendly wave or nod can substitute for physical greetings during cold and flu season.
- Encourage Kids to Avoid Close Contact: Teach children to give others personal space and to avoid touching or holding hands with others.
Being mindful of distance in public places can help you reduce exposure to germs during high-risk times.
Final Thoughts
Reducing germ exposure in public spaces during winter is all about taking practical steps to protect your family’s health. By practicing good hygiene, maintaining a safe distance, and being mindful of high-touch surfaces, you can reduce your chances of catching or spreading illnesses. Small habits can make a big difference in staying healthy through the colder months.