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13 likely hot spots for the flu

Health
13 likely hot spots for the flu

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is an infectious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can spread easily from person to person, especially in crowded places. While patients usually recover without treatment, learning about the traditional hot spots for the flu can minimize the risk of infection in the first place. By focusing on regular cleaning and personal hygiene, individuals can contribute to breaking the chain of flu transmission through these common areas.

Shopping malls
Shopping malls are significant hot spots for flu transmission. Individuals may come into contact with contaminated surfaces or breathe air shared with infected individuals. Wearing masks and sanitizing hands are two ways to curb the potential spread of the flu in such places.

Door knobs
Door knobs are among the most common hot spots for the flu virus. An infected person may inadvertently transfer the virus to a door handle while coughing or sneezing. When another individual comes into contact with the contaminated surface and touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, the virus enters their body. Regular cleaning of door knobs with disinfecting wipes or sprays is imperative to disrupt the chain of transmission.

Dish sponges and rags
Often considered the heart of the home, the kitchen harbors unsuspecting hot spots for flu germs. Dish sponges and rags become breeding grounds for viruses if not cleaned and replaced regularly. The kitchen sink’s drain flange, another overlooked area, requires frequent disinfection to reduce the risk of illness.

Purses and wallets
Accessories like purses and wallets, while essential for daily life, can harbor flu viruses. People often carry these accessories during travel, exposing them to the environment. When cleaning purses and wallets, individuals should use the right methods depending on the material; for example, washing machines for canvas and gentle hand washing for faux leather.

Smartphones
Smartphones, ubiquitous in modern society, are frequently overlooked as potential carriers of the flu. Constant handling exposes them to bacteria and viruses. Therefore, experts recommend cleaning smartphones regularly with a dedicated disinfectant cloth. While the entire handset must be thoroughly cleaned, users must pay special attention to the screen and rear panel as these often come into contact with one’s fingers. Individuals should exercise caution to avoid damaging the screen during the cleaning process.

Handrails
Handrails in public places, such as elevators and staircases, improve convenience but pose health risks due to infrequent cleaning. Thousands of people may touch these surfaces, potentially transferring flu viruses. Individuals are advised to either avoid direct contact or promptly wash their hands after touching handrails to reduce the risk of infection.

Gas pumps
Gas pumps are exposed to various environmental elements, making them potential hot spots for germs, including influenza. Using a hand sanitizer after handling the pump can significantly reduce the risk of flu transmission.

Fitness equipment
Fitness enthusiasts often share gym equipment, creating an environment conducive to flu transmission. Due to frequent handling, exercise machines, dumbbells, and yoga mats are potential hot spots. Gym-goers should wipe down such equipment before and after use and follow personal sanitization practices to minimize the risk of infection.

Public transportation
Buses, trains, and other modes of public transportation can facilitate the spread of flu viruses. High-touch areas like handrails, seat handles, and touchpoints within vehicles are potential transmission sources. Therefore, commuters should practice hand hygiene and consider wearing masks to protect themselves and fellow passengers.

Public restrooms
Public restrooms harbor germs and viruses due to high foot traffic but are often overlooked as flu hot spots. Faucet handles, door handles, and restroom surfaces may be contaminated, so individuals should exercise caution. One can carry disposable tissues, use elbows to touch surfaces, and maintain rigorous hand hygiene after restroom use.

ATM machines
Individuals frequently touch ATM keypads or screens while withdrawing cash or checking account balances. These surfaces can harbor flu viruses. Sanitization of hands after using ATMs is a simple yet useful measure to mitigate the risk of flu transmission.

Educational institutions
Schools and universities can become hot spots for flu transmission with their dense population and shared spaces. Desks, chairs, and common areas are potential sources of contamination. Educational institutions should implement robust cleaning protocols, and students should adhere to personal hygiene practices to minimize the risk of contracting the flu.

Recreational facilities
Parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas attract people for outdoor activities. Shared equipment, benches, and picnic areas pose risks of flu transmission. Visitors are encouraged to carry personal sanitation supplies, wipe down shared surfaces, and maintain good respiratory hygiene while enjoying recreational spaces.

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4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don’t have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother’s body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies.
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It has become the norm to keep ornamental at home, especially since they beautify the space tremendously. But, if you are a pet parent, you must exercise caution in picking the potted plants you want. While some plants can cause vomiting or dysentery, a few can cause respiratory, digestive, neurological, or cardiac problems, leading to death. If you have become a pet parent recently, here are six plants toxic to dogs to note: 6 plants that dog parents must take note of Sago palm Sago palm is a very popular ornamental plant for indoor and outdoor spaces. It is known by many names like coontie palms or cardboard palms and is part of the Cycads group of plants. It contains multiple toxins, including cycasin and BMAA. Every part of the sago palm is toxic for your dogs, and the seeds can be the most dangerous. If a dog ingests even a small amount of any part of a sago palm plant, it can affect its nervous system, liver, or gastrointestinal system. You may see symptoms within 15 minutes or many hours. The most common reaction is gastrointestinal irritation, with initial symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to serious complications like neurological problems, resulting in weakness, seizures, and tremors.
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Pets

6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats: Eggs Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don’t season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization. Vegetables Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat’s fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements.
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4 tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs

Dogs get affected with fleas or ticks due to spending time on grassy trails, lush parks, or moist areas. And these pests can cause itching and skin damage if not controlled in time. Flea and ticks leave eggs and larvae on the coat, which can be challenging to eradicate. They can also lead to Lyme disease and other debilitating conditions. Following are tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs: Consider the following treatment options Bravecto chew Bravecto chew is a chewable treatment option that you can administer along with your dog’s food. It contains fluralaner, an active ingredient that spreads quickly through the dog’s tissues and the skin. Fleas and ticks in the coat ingest minute amounts of fluralaner, which affects their central nervous system, killing them within 12 hours. One dose of Bravecto is effective for about 12 weeks. If your dog is sensitive to the treatment option and vomits within three hours of ingestion, contact your vet, as it may be less impactful in killing the ticks and fleas. Bravecto is also effective in preventing heartworms and intestinal worms. Simparica This prescription treatment option is ideal for dogs over six months and can be administered monthly.

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