It’s that time of the year again…cold and flu season

This year’s cold and flu season starts with some great news (sarcasm) that the ingredient in alcohol-free hand sanitizer is ineffective and potentially toxic. Great!

I know many travelers tote the tiny bottles from their suitcase and rub it on liberally.

If that doesn’t work then what is a traveler to do? We are constantly all over the place and many movies paint us to be the bearer of all plagues.
1. Wash your hands often with warm soapy water. Duh, right? But it still doesn’t always happen. Also, in many airports you don’t have control of the water temp and get stuck with luke warm water.
2. Carry tissues so if the urge to cough, sneeze, or blow your nose arises during a trip arises you are prepared. Do your part to minimize particles floating in the air.
3. Stay home if you are sick. Easier said than done, but if you have sick days use them!
4. If you use hand sanitizer, opt for alcohol- based versions. Alcohol kills a broader range of pathogens than triclosan. Note that colds and flus are viruses and most handsanitizer is effective against bacteria. It’s better overall to wash hands regularly.
5. Don’t be that guy who sneezes and then proceeds to put his hand on the stair rail, door, etc.

Plus just basic all year get plenty of sleep and eat a balanced diet. And get your flu shot.