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News / Health / Health Wire

Help for fighting flu

The Columbian
Published: February 23, 2014, 4:00pm

Flu season is upon us, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, it is widespread. The CDC says people can spread the flu to others up to six feet away. This happens when flu sufferers cough, sneeze or talk, and when a caretaker or family member touches something that has flu virus on it and then touches their own mouth or nose.

Hand-washing is one of the best ways to stay healthy.

If the flu is in your home, be sure to wash linens, clothing and kitchen items of infected family members in very hot, soapy water. WebMD says to use a color-safe bleach in the laundry to kill germs.

And frequently wipe down touched surfaces such as tabletops, remote controls, doorknobs, keyboards and phones. Use disposables like paper towels instead of sponges and cloths for cleaning.

Sick people can pitch in too, with this simple trick: Attach two tissue boxes together with a long rubber band, one with fresh tissues and the other box empty to receive the discards. This way, the virus may travel less because used tissues will be instantly contained.

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