5 Unique Ways to Avoid Germs this Flu Season

Methotrexate and Enbrel got me through high school and Humira has helped me start my career and commute into the city every day. There were even some other medications peppered in through the years too.

After eight years of being treated with DMARDs and biologics, I learned a thing or two about how to avoid germs during flu season.

Tips to avoid germs & stay healthy

There are a couple of little tricks I've picked up over the years of how to avoid extra germs. And while I can't promise following these things will help you avoid getting sick, I can say they might help you dodge some bullets.

Don't order lemons

I've heard from many sources that lemon is one of the dirtiest foods you can order in a restaurant. Both friends and online articles have warned me that lemons tend to be cut up in the morning and aren't refreshed during the day.

What's more, they're constantly in contact with people's hands. Waiters and waitresses are always reaching into the container where the lemons sit all day.

I didn't believe this was true until I woke up multiple times with colds the morning after having water with lemon at a restaurant! Since then, I've passed on asking for lemon slices in my water.

That said, I've heard that if you need lemon juice, ask for the lemon on a small plate and squeeze the juice onto your food. That way, you avoid the dirty peels touching the food itself.

Avoid the salad bar

Diet and nutrition do have an impact on PsA, but on a food safety note, I would advise avoiding the salad bar. Especially this time of year, you probably should avoid eating food that has been sitting out for a long time and handled by many people.

You never know how long the food has sat out or who reached in without using the utensils. Ew.

That said, I love a good salad bar. Who doesn't like to make a salad filled with all their favorite things? I still make my way to the salad bar if I know it was opened recently. While that can make for an early lunch or dinner, I prefer eating early with peace of mind that my food is fresh.

Protect and wash your hands

I take public transportation every day to work, and knock on wood, I haven't gotten sick this year.

While some people wear masks on their commute, I don't because masks are not very effective at preventing you from getting sick (though I tend to cover my face with my scarf when people are hacking all around me).

Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of disease. During my travels, I often wear gloves or use my sleeve as a barrier when I have to touch anything. Once I get to my destination, I make sure to wash my hands. My cotton gloves go in the wash regularly.

Don't hang up your coat

At work, I hang my coat on the back of my chair. Even though we have communal coat racks, I would rather keep my jacket separate from the others.

I'm not too fond of the idea of my clothing touching others- especially when the flu or bugs are going around.

Keep personal linens, personal

Sharing clothes, blankets, or towels is a big no-no as well. The throw blanket on the couch may be cozy, but you don't know what germs may be lurking on it.

Try your best at home to use separate towels from other members of the family. Also, make sure to wash your hands after handling all dirty laundry, especially if a family member is sick.

Overall, keep things clean!

Overall, these tips have one thing in common: avoid anything communal during this time of year. Personal space is your best friend. And if that's not possible, use barriers as much as possible and keep them clean.

Wash your coats and gloves regularly, and leave shoes at the door. A couple of small precautions can help you avoid a lot of germs!