FOX28: How to "Flu-Proof" Your Home

This flu season has been one of the worst in recent years. So what can you do to “flu-proof” your home? Or what should you do to keep it from spreading if someone in your home has the flu? FOX28’s Good Day Columbus recently invited Glenn Williams, MD, medical director, OhioHealth Urgent Care, to share some tips:

1. FLU SHOT

Everyone 6 months or older in your household should get a flu shot. It is our best defense against the flu and could lower the severity and duration of the flu if you do get sick. If you haven’t gotten one yet, it is NOT too late!

2. DISINFECT YOUR HOME

Disinfect areas that people come in contact with frequently – door knobs, countertops, handles, remote controls, telephones, keyboards, toys. The flu virus can live for up to 24 hours on those hard surfaces. A diluted solution that contains bleach works well. So do disinfecting wipes. And make sure that everyone in the home is washing their hands with soap and water frequently throughout the day, as well as coughing into their elbow and not their hands.

3. LAUNDRY

Wash clothes, bedsheets and towels in hot water often to kill germs, especially if someone sick has been using them. Handle these items as minimally as possible – put them in a laundry basket so you don’t have to hold them close to your body as you take them to the washing machine. Germs thrive on wet surfaces, so make sure you are regularly cleaning your towels, sponges, dish rags, etc.

4. HUMIDIFIER

Studies have shown that flu germs survive longer and spread easier in dry conditions. Plus, using one in your home can help you breathe easier, especially when you’re sick.

5. DESIGNATE A SICK ROOM

If someone gets sick, quarantine them to that space. And, if possible, have just one caretaker for the sick person, keeping others out of the sick room to help keep the virus contained to one area. The caretaker can even wear a surgical mask and should make sure surfaces are being wiped down frequently. And make sure the caretaker is washing their hands well!

Click here to learn more about OhioHealth Urgent Care. Or, download the OhioHealth app and click “find care now,” to see real-time wait times at OhioHealth Urgent Care locations.