3 ways to survive cold and flu season

We're in the thick of cold and flu season. We all deal with germs daily and most of us try to stay mindful of avoiding sickness. This comes easy for those that sit in an office every day, but truckers don’t have that luxury.

A truck driver’s surroundings are always changing. You meet new people almost constantly and can come into contact with germs at every turn … from the loading docks to the truck stops. Each of these points of contact has the potential to get you sick if you’re not careful. For that reason, we brought you three tips for avoiding sickness while on the road.

Take care of yourself

Prevention is key and you can start by making sure that you see your doctor at least once a year. Take your necessary medications as needed. Don’t forget to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise to maintain your health. On top of that you should try to reduce stress levels in your life and get plenty of sleep. You can fight germs year-round with these healthy goals.

Wash your hands

Handwashing can help prevent illness. It involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs.

Use soap and water every time if possible. If you can’t make it to the sink, keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your cab. We also recommend that you wipe down your phone several times a day to cut down on the spread of germs from your hands and face. A cell phone can be dirtier than a toilet seat!

If the flu strikes

You can do everything in your power to cut the spread of germs and still be struck by the flu. Safety should still be your number one concern. Know your limits and if you’re really under the weather you should rest. This could even mean pulling off the road to keep yourself and other drivers safe. It’s also a good idea to keep to yourself to avoid spreading the illness. If you must leave the cab of your truck we recommend a face mask, but to especially cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues.