Flu season is upon us again, and who doesn’t know the all-too-familiar problem of one family member after another going down with the dreaded symptoms? If you want to protect your loved ones (and yourself) this year, here are some top tips to keep your home as healthy as possible.

1.Vaccinate

One of the best things you can do to keep everyone in your home protected from the worst of the flu is to vaccinate as many family members as possible. Experts suggest that this is the top thing you can try to guard against the flu. Anyone aged 6 months or over and who has never had a bad reaction to vaccinations in the past could benefit (as long as they aren’t allergic to mercury or eggs). There are four different kinds of flu shot so there’s sure to be one to suit your needs. You may not even need to see your physician to get your shot – many supermarkets and pharmacies now offer vaccinations over the counter to make life even simpler.

2.Keep Your Hands Clean

Hand washing is absolutely essential to keep everyone protected from bacteria and flu-causing germs. Bacteria and viruses can accumulate on hard surfaces around your home and every time you touch them, you’re at risk of transmitting the bugs right into your mouth. Make sure you wash your hands regularly before you prepare or eat food and every time you use the bathroom. Make sure that you wash thoroughly too, using soap and scrubbing for a minimum of 20 seconds before rinsing and drying. You should also keep hand sanitizers around for when you’re out and about or away from hand washing facilities.

3.Give Your Home A Thorough Clean

Viruses and flu germs lurk on all the items in your home that you regularly touch. Some common hotspots include dishcloths, kitchen sponges, desks, floors and cutting boards as well as your toilet and sink. You should make sure that you clean these areas and use disinfectant on them regularly. One useful trick to try on your kitchen sponges is to microwave them for a minute on the highest setting. This will zap and kill the germs. However, it’s often best to simply throw away old sponges and cloths and use fresh ones each time. This is especially the case if someone in your home is unwell. Make sure to clean their dishes and cutlery separately in the dishwasher or by hand and wash their clothing separately too on a hot setting. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly when you’ve handled dirty laundry.

4.Clean Your Carpets

Viruses and bacteria don’t just lurk on hard surfaces, they also lurk in your carpets and upholstery too. If someone has been sneezing all over your sofa, don’t be too surprised if you all come down with the same bug in just a few days. Make sure that you regularly deep clean your carpets and soft furnishings, especially if someone in the house has the flu. You can use a steam cleaner which kills all the germs and bacteria thanks to their high temperature.

5.Use A Dehumidifier

A humid home is a breeding ground for bacteria. When the environment is too moist, mold and mildew can form which may not cause flu in itself but will cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems which will only be exacerbated if you do come down with the flu. The best way to make sure that your home isn’t too damp or too humid is to invest in a dehumidifier. There are lots of different types available on the market today, however all will prevent the growth of mildew in your property. Make

sure to choose one which is the most appropriate size for your home. You may only need a dehumidifier which is small enough for your kitchen, bathroom or basement or you may require one which is large enough to work for your entire home. You can learn more on Toohumid.com about how to choose the right size of dehumidifier and the best brands on the market today.

Follow these top tips and you should find that the dreaded flu passes you and your family by this season!