True or False.  Cold weather makes you sick? If you were like me and said true, then you’re in the same boat as the majority of the population. This misconception has been repeated for so long that we all start to believe it is true. The magnificent thing about science is the ability to challenge and prove theories. So how come more people get sick in the winter than in the summer? It comes down to the simple fact that people are inside together for longer periods of time1. With the days getting shorter and people staying inside for longer periods of time person to person contact increases.  The heightened contact of sick people talking, coughing, and sneezing are the top causes of cold and flu transmission 2.

Flus and bacteria’s travel quickly from one person to another and anyone can become sick and experience seriously complications. In fact, cold and flu germs can fly up to six feet through the air. Keep a broom stick distance away from someone who is ill or is showing signs of being ill if you or a loved one has a weakened immune system. Below are some interesting statistics through research by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases3.

  • 59% of people who are infected do not know there are prescriptions to treat the flu
  • 41% of people who are infected don’t believe their flu is contagious
  • Between 5-20% of the U.S. population become sick with the flu each year
  • More than 200,000 are hospitalized from seasonal flu- related complications

Some ways to lower your risk of infection are to avoid crowds of people, avoid touching dirty surfaces, eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, try to reduce your stress level, and get an annual vaccine4. Additionally the American Medical Association recommends that all people over the age of six months receive an annual vaccine. Here are a few items that can help lower your risk of sickness this flu season.

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Having an air purifier in your room will drastically bring down the chances of getting any airborne germs from spreading through your living area. It’s pretty impressive that these devices are able to capture 99.7% of these allergens through multiple stages of filtration. With the constant room circulation, your airborne allergens are minimalized.

 

 

 

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Another way to stop the spread of germs is to wipe down surfaces with a disinfectant wipe. These wipes clean and disinfects surfaces and medical equipment in just one easy wipe. These are ideal for precision cleaning to your bathroom, door handles, general surfaces, and medical devices.

 

 

 

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A very common flu aid is instant hand sanitizing gels. Being sold in a variety of sizes you can place a bottle next to your sink, in  your purse, in your car, or at the office. These gels kill 99.9% of all microorganisms in just 15 seconds. These particular gels also moisturizes with no need to rinse and are very convenient for on the spot use.

 

 

 

Since 1997 Allegro Medical has been a leading supplier of flu season supplies and medical equipment to healthcare providers and consumers.  If you are combating the flu or suffering from flu problems rely on AllegroMedical.com for all of your cold/flu season product needs.

 

  1. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/11-health-myths-that-may-surprise-you/?_r=0
  2. http://nfid.org/
  3. http://www.multivu.com/mnr/64092-nfid-urges-public-to-protect-themselves-influenza-prevention-and-treatment
  4. http://www.weather.com/health/cold-flu/temp-change-sick-20130219?pageno=5