Here's what could happen if you cook or handle food while having a cold or flu
| Feb 19, 2020, 11:41 IST
How many times have we braved through a cold or flu and managed to complete our tasks and chores for the day? Too many times to be able to count actually. But do you know that as much as you might believe that you can make things work despite being sick, this can actually have an adverse effect on those around you? And this holds to be true especially if you cook when you're unwell. It can transfer germs and bacteria into the food and in turn, make everyone else unwell too.
Now, of course, it would just be common sense to not opt for any sort of strenuous activity when you're unwell and this also includes cooking. But it does become difficult when you're a parent and have a busy schedule and have no other choice than to cook a meal for your kids. It would definitely be best if you stayed out of the kitchen and even slept in a different room if possible since this can cut down the risk of passing on the infection.
However, if that isn't possible and you have to cook for your family, then at least follow a few precautionary measures. Experts suggest that the best way to contain the infection is to wash your hands with soap regularly and especially before you begin cooking. You should also ensure to move away from the food when you cough or sneeze and use your elbows as a shield instead of your palms.
Here are some more ways in which you can protect yourself and others from illnesses:
- Wash your hands with water and soap a few times a day.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze.
- Make sure you keep a distance from people who've fallen ill.
- Don't touch your eyes, mouth, nose etc with unwashed hands.
- Move away or turn away from people if you have to cough or sneeze.
- Most importantly, stay at home if you're unwell.
Follow these tips and it'll help make things a lot easier for you.
Now, of course, it would just be common sense to not opt for any sort of strenuous activity when you're unwell and this also includes cooking. But it does become difficult when you're a parent and have a busy schedule and have no other choice than to cook a meal for your kids. It would definitely be best if you stayed out of the kitchen and even slept in a different room if possible since this can cut down the risk of passing on the infection.
However, if that isn't possible and you have to cook for your family, then at least follow a few precautionary measures. Experts suggest that the best way to contain the infection is to wash your hands with soap regularly and especially before you begin cooking. You should also ensure to move away from the food when you cough or sneeze and use your elbows as a shield instead of your palms.
Here are some more ways in which you can protect yourself and others from illnesses:
- Wash your hands with water and soap a few times a day.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze.
- Make sure you keep a distance from people who've fallen ill.
- Don't touch your eyes, mouth, nose etc with unwashed hands.
- Move away or turn away from people if you have to cough or sneeze.
- Most importantly, stay at home if you're unwell.
Follow these tips and it'll help make things a lot easier for you.