The cold weather is quickly approaching, and although winter is associated with colds and the flu, steps can be taken to stay healthy.

One such step is to be conscious of the things you touch, and the things you share with friends, from pens to food, said Mary Turner, learning support specialist.

“I’ve seen people put a dollar bill in their mouth at the vending machine. We just don’t know where those things have been,” she said.

“Germs flourish in warm moist places, and we spend all winter closed up inside with the heat on ,where bacteria thrives.

“One of simplest things we can do is disinfect surfaces we touch regularly, computer keyboards, counters, or our phones.”

A key component to prevention is a healthy diet and exercise, which boost immune systems and fight illness. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, even moderate levels of exercise not only helps prevent minor things such as the common cold but also fights long term health concerns.

Even using the utmost caution, inevitably one may get sick.

“The campus has a policy that if you’re infectious, you’re not wanted on campus until cleared. Ideally, if you’re sick, you shouldn’t come to class,” Turner said.

“Realistically sometimes we have to be there, but I would contact your professor and negotiate. A lot of times they will work with you.”

Maintaining good hygiene even when sick is a key to getting better, Turner said.

“If you’ve been sick, your bedding is carrying all those germs.

“Washing all your bedding, changing your toothbrush, and wearing clean clothes will help you avoid bacteria and get over it faster,” she said.

“Sometimes sickness happens, but a lot of the time it can be avoided. We are already moving into flu season, and the most important factor [to prevent sickness] is hand washing. It’s crucial,” said Turner.

To contact Priscilla Colley,

email staffwriter1@occc.edu