Even though summer is just around the corner, influenza remains on people’s minds and at the center of the nightly news. For the past several weeks, health officials worldwide have been focused on finding and diagnosing cases of H1N1 (swine) flu and preventing the spread of the virus person-to-person.
When people think about influenza, they often consider vaccines or medications as their top choices for preventing illness, or making it as short-lived as possible. Washing your hands, however, is also an important way to prevent getting sick.
So is quitting smoking.
Smoking cigarettes is linked to developing chronic coughs and wheezing, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says smokers also are more likely than nonsmokers to develop respiratory infections.
So with respiratory bugs still circulating this spring, pull out the hand sanitizer and throw out the cigarettes. Chances are you’ll feel much better.