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More ways to avoid getting sick
Posted: 11.02.2009 at 8:26 PM
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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Between H1N1, the seasonal flu, and the common cold all circulating this fall, parents are trying to do everything they can to prevent themselves and their children from getting sick.

We've heard about the importance of washing our hands, and covering our coughs and sneezes, but is there more we can be doing to ward off germs?

Seven-year-old Mia is visiting her pediatrician, Dr. Steven Luebbert, for a regular check-up. She's been pretty healthy so far this season and her mom wants her to stay that way.

"We got the flu shot, eat healthy, and wash hands," says April Gardner.

Luebbert says there are a lot of other things you can do that you may not have thought about, like running a vaporizer to moisturize your nose.

"When the inside of the nose cracks, it allows viruses and bacteria a way in, so running a vaporizer is a really easy thing," he says.

So is changing out your furnace filter with a hypo-allergenic one that takes dust and irritants out of the air.

Also, get plenty of fresh air, both outside and inside your home.

"In the winter our houses are closed up, but we have those nice days in between, so turn off the heat, open it up, let the air recycle out," says Luebbert.

Make sure you exercise and drink lots of fluids.

"By staying hydrated, if you have drainage in the back of your throat, it won't thicken up, it's less likely to get infected," he adds.

He says eating a balanced diet can really make a difference, and getting your vitamins from actual food, not just relying on supplements.

When it comes to your kids, make sure they stay away from sick children, and places where sick kids have been, like a church nursery or indoor play equipment at the mall.

Instead, get them outside, take a walk to the park or hike a trail.

How about all the new products popping up in the grocery stores, like anti-viral Kleenex?

"I would say don't waste your money, a Kleenex is a Kleenex. It beats your sleeve," says Luebbert.

If you do get sick, Luebbert says stay home and stick with the basics, chicken noodle soup and vitamin C.

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