The latest CDC flu map shows people are sniffling and aching and hacking up lungs all over the United States. But one state has gotten off scott-free this flu season: Hawaii.
They’ve only had “sporadic” flu activity in The Aloha State. How bitter would you’d be if you were one of the few people to get the flu in a Hawaii? I am pretty I would rage at the cosmic injustice.
Just in case you can’t decamp to Hawaii for a few weeks, here’s how to prevent the flu during the height of the season:
How to stay healthy when everyone else has the flu.
- Wash your hands. A lot. And thoroughly dry them with paper towels to make sure you get rid of all the germs.
- Use hand sanitizer when you can’t wash. And go with the alcohol based stuff like Purell. “Natural” and alcohol-free formulas aren’t nearly as good at killing germs as traditional sanitizers.
- Use disinfecting wipes on your desk, keyboard, mouse and telephone every day. That’s where all the germs live in your office.
- Disinfect your smartphone daily too. Otherwise, you are basically carrying the Outbreak monkey around in your pocket.
- I would just avoid the office breakroom altogether, to be honest. But if you insist on eating in an area with more germs than a public toilet, bring your wet wipes and use them liberally.
Image: Screengrab of Current United States Flu Activity Map from CDC.gov