When seasonal sickness hits your home, how do you stop the cold and flu from spreading among family members?

Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone, reiterated the basics of preventing virus spread in comments to Fox News Digital.

Among his top tips: Wash your hands often and disinfect household surfaces.

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Those who are sick should remain separated from others or wear a high-grade face mask if they must be in proximity to housemates, Siegel advised.

“Flu has a 25% attack rate, meaning that for everyone who gets it, a quarter of people who are in close contact will get it,” he said.

Cedars-Sinai pediatrician Santhosh Nadipuram, M.D., who is based in California, said in a separate conversation with Fox News Digital that sick people should especially keep their distance from high-risk individuals in the household.

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This includes children under 6 months old and adults over 65 years old, as well as anyone with severe obesity, poorly controlled diabetes, lung disease or heart disease.

“Flu has a 25% attack rate, meaning that for everyone who gets it, a quarter of people who are in close contact will get it.”

Pregnant women and immune-suppressed people also fall into this category.

Nadipuram shared some other best practices to prevent spread, including covering coughs and sneezes, even though this may be challenging with small children.

Doctors recommend covering coughs and sneezes to prevent virus spread. (iStock)

He also advised families to keep their homes well-ventilated and avoid sharing food or drinks with infected people.

Frequent handwashing is key, the doctor added. He recommends washing for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after eating, before contact with vulnerable people and after touching your face while experiencing active symptoms.

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In the case of the flu, Nadipuram encouraged annual vaccinations to help reduce the risk of severe disease.

Flu vaccines are recommended for all individuals over 6 months old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC recommends that all individuals over 6 months old receive a flu vaccine. (iStock)

“If you have someone in the home at high risk for severe infection, the ill person can isolate in a well-ventilated room with minimal contact until their cough and sneezing are very diminished, and they can wear a mask if they need to interact with other family members in a closed room,” Nadipuram said. 

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“For little kids, they should be able to ‘control’ their secretions, meaning any runny noses should be minimal, so the child or parent/caregiver can easily clean them, throw away the paper napkin and clean their hands,” the doctor added.

Siegel advised that in the case of sudden fatigue, muscle aches, headache, sore throat or upper respiratory congestion, individuals should consult a medical professional.

In the case of sudden fatigue, muscle aches, headache, sore throat or upper respiratory congestion, individuals should consult a medical professional. (iStock)

“Differentiation between flu, RSV and COVID may help in terms of potential treatment if you are at risk of severe disease,” he also said.

With several respiratory illnesses floating around this time of year, Nadipuram agreed that knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial.

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He added, “Speak with your doctor if you have any worries and ask for guidance, especially if you feel your symptoms are concerning or severe.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health. 

In the thick of cold and flu season in the winter, U.S. death rates have ranged 8% to 12% higher than in warmer months, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Given this higher risk, experts say it’s more important than ever for people to take care of their health.

Jamie Winn, a South Carolina pharmacist and medical director at Universal Drugstore, shared 10 things you can do for your health on a daily basis that take less than 10 minutes.

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Read on for these health-forward suggestions. 

1. Take vitamins and supplements

A lack of certain vitamins and minerals can cause deficiencies that can lead to various health issues, Winn told Fox News Digital.

“Taking a few moments to take vitamins and supplements each day can fill nutritional gaps in your diet to make sure you get the recommended intake,” he said. 

“For example, vitamin D supplements are important for bone health, and omega-3 fatty acids support heart and brain health.”

2. Stretch

Stretching for just 10 minutes a day can improve flexibility and joint mobility, Winn said.

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“Spending a brief period each day stretching can alleviate muscle tension and help prevent injuries and improve posture,” he told Fox News Digital. 

“This can be especially beneficial for people who work at a desk or find themselves slumped over a laptop while working from home.”

3. Hydrate

Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches and impaired cognitive function, Winn said.

“Taking the time to sip water throughout the day in short intervals can help maintain proper hydration levels,” he advised. 

Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches and impaired cognitive function, said a South Carolina-based health expert — who advised taking time to sip water throughout the day. (iStock)

The benefits of staying hydrated include better digestion, circulation and temperature regulation. 

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It also promotes healthy skin, reducing the risk of dryness and wrinkles, said Winn.

4. Meditate and breathe

“Meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce stress levels by calming the nervous system and reducing the production of stress hormones like cortisol,” said Winn.

Just 10 minutes of mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises can reduce stress levels significantly, he said.

“Breathing exercises can also improve lung function, increase oxygenation and promote relaxation,” Winn went on. “This is particularly beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma.”

5. Walk outside 

A 10-minute walk or quick workout can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, said Winn. 

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“Walking outside is an added bonus, as exposure to natural environments and sunlight has been shown to boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression,” he said.

Studies have shown that short bouts of exercise can help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, Winn noted.  (iStock)

Studies have shown that short bouts of exercise can help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, Winn noted.  

“Engaging in moderate-intensity exercise for as little as 10 minutes per day can lower the risk of heart disease and boost your metabolism throughout the day,” he added.

6. Socialize

Socializing for just a few minutes each day can improve mental health by reducing feelings of loneliness and providing emotional support, Winn said.

“Spending 10 minutes daily to connect with loved ones or friends, whether in person or virtually, helps to create solid social support networks,” he told Fox News Digital.

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Strong social ties have been associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety, as well as better overall mental health, the expert noted.

“This is important with age, as interacting with others stimulates cognitive functions and can contribute to a sharper mind,” he said.

7. Eat mindfully

Taking just 10 minutes to eat a meal mindfully can lead to better digestion and weight management, said Winn. 

Taking just 10 minutes to eat a meal mindfully can lead to better digestion and weight management, said Winn.  (iStock)

“Mindful eating encourages paying attention to food choices, portion sizes and the body’s hunger cues, reducing overeating,” he noted.

“Often, we are in a rush to prepare a meal quickly, but taking a little extra time to chop some vegetables and salad as part of your meals increases your intake of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber, which are important for overall health.”

8. Keep a journal

Whether it’s at the start of the day or before bed, journaling or list-writing for 10 minutes can help you process emotions, reduce stress and gain insight into your thoughts and feelings, according to Winn.

“Practicing gratitude for 10 minutes each day can boost positive emotions, enhance life satisfaction and reduce symptoms of depression,” he said.

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“Writing down daily goals and tasks is something that everyone can do to increase productivity and motivation.”

9. Practice proper hygiene 

Brushing and flossing your teeth daily can prevent dental issues, such as cavities and gum disease, Winn noted.

“Good oral hygiene is linked to better overall health, as it reduces the risk of systemic diseases,” he said.

That same concept applies to washing your face before bed. 

“Washing your face is not only beneficial for your skin, but also limits the spread of germs and the potential for infection and illness.” (iStock)

“Even if you’ve had a relaxed day, your skin is still exposed to dirt, sweat, bacteria and pollution throughout the day,” Winn said. 

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“This transfers to your pillow when you sleep, so washing your face is not only beneficial for your skin, but also limits the spread of germs and the potential for infection and illness.”

10. Wind down for bed earlier 

Going to bed earlier allows for a more consistent sleep schedule, which can improve sleep quality and overall health, said Winn.

He recommends engaging in relaxation techniques for 10 minutes before bedtime, such as gentle stretching or meditation, to help you fall asleep faster and enjoy more restful sleep. 

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“This improved sleep quality contributes to overall health and cognitive function, such as memory and mood, which will be needed to tackle the day ahead.”

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