If you have been cursed with a terrible immune system, I know your problems. Growing up consisted of always being scared to be around sick people, always being careful of what you touched, and inevitably, still getting sick. Classrooms, small areas, and public gatherings are your worst nightmare. Over the years, I have gathered a list to keep the weak immune systems just a little more protected. Good luck out there!

1. Use your knuckle

This is especially important when using elevators. Just think about it, you use your fingers to touch your eyes, scratch your nose, and cover a cough. Well, other people do, too! Instead of touching the buttons that thousands of other people have touched with their fingers too, use your knuckle to press buttons. This lowers the chance that you will catch an illness, such as a common cold, off of shared surfaces.

2. Bathroom etiquette

When flushing a toilet, turning a sink on and off, and opening doors, always use your elbows as much as you can. The sad truth is that a lot of people do not wash their hands correctly or even at all!

3. Wash correctly

The Mayo Clinic published an article on the proper way to wash your hands. Have some water (warm, preferably) and soap. Lather and rub for 20 seconds then fully rise. The general rule for when to wash your hands whenever you come in contact with someone (sick or not), when preparing food, and when you are treating a cut on yourself and someone else.

4. Strengthen your system

Your immune system is responsible for fighting off illnesses and protecting your body for future attacks. You can help strengthen it by getting enough sleep (you can read my other article on how to achieve and keep better sleep here), eating healthy, getting in your exercise, and avoiding smoking. Harvard Health also published an article for more tips on how to boost your immune system here.

5. Drain it

I picked up nasal irrigation rinses a few months ago when I was sick. This process uses a squeeze bottle or a neti pot to run a mixture of salt and water through one nasal cavity and out the other. This helps to flush out irritates and germs that have made their way into your nose. It can work to help a wide range of allergies and illnesses. Nasal rinses have become my personal go to every time I get sick and they always help to destuff or loosen stuff stuck in your nose. You can check out Web MD and their list of pros and cons of nasal irrigation!

6. Disinfect your day

I always carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with me when I go out of the house. This works as a great substitute until you are able to fully wash your hands again! Also, use disinfectant wipes to clean your remotes, handles, and surface areas, like a desk at work, on a regular basis.

Prevention of illnesses and germs is always the key to keeping healthy. Good luck out there!