By Dana Sutcliffe – 1851 Staff 

Most people know the extra precautions they need to take to avoid getting sick during the winter season. But what happens when the highest risk of becoming ill is sitting right next to you on your daily commute to work? With a recent article from TIME Health reporting 60,000 positive cases of the influenza since October 1, the 2017-2018 season has proven to be the worst in recorded flu history. This scary statistic may be the reason why many people have been avoiding public transportation in their day-to-day lives because germs are lurking everywhere, ready to infect the next victim. Here are a few easy steps towards keeping yourself healthy during flu season:

1. Keep hand sanitizer with you at all times. Whether it’s in your purse, backpack, or your back pocket, keeping a small bottle of Purell is probably your best bet towards keeping your extremities clean and disinfected.
2. This may seem like a crazy one, but keeping some disinfectant wipes handy whenever you travel is a good idea. Wiping down the seat you take everyday on the subway or the railing you’re about to hold onto for the next twenty minutes can stop those dirty germs from getting you sick. In case you don’t have wipes, simply use the sleeve of your shirt or jacket when touching anything in public.
3. Airborne and Emergen-C are two very effective and precautious steps you can take towards staying healthy. Add the packet of powder to a glass of water and drink up. The vitamins in the mix will help fight against any illnesses you may encounter in your daily travels and help boost your immune system.
4. Rest up. Getting 6-8 hours of sleep a night is super important for any healthy person but when you’re sick, it’s crucial. Your body needs the extra time to recuperate and refresh itself. Make sure you get to bed at a decent hour, even if your friends have plans and you don’t want to miss out – your body will thank you in the morning.
5. Keep your distance. Even if the plans to meet your friend Susie for dinner are what you’ve been waiting for all week, reconsider. Dinner is delicious and fun but not when your date is sneezing across the table and sharing the same breathing bubble as you.

Photo courtesy of Google Images.