Is Bronchitis Contagious? 9 Ways to Not Spread It
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There’s no way to completely eliminate your risk of contracting bronchitis, but you can take measures to lower it. And if you’re someone who has a higher risk of bronchitis in general (due to asthma, age, or other factors), these nine steps are even more important.
1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly and Often
The best way to reduce your risk of bronchitis is also the best way to avoid any viral illness: Wash your hands. This is especially true during and after preparing food and before eating, after blowing your nose, and before and after taking care of someone who is sick.
And yes, there is a right way to wash your hands: Get a good lather and scrub them — including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails — for at least 20 seconds, or the time it takes to hum “Happy Birthday” from start to finish twice.
RELATED: Why Proper Handwashing Is Essential During Cold and Flu Season
2. Avoid Touching Your Face
In addition to washing your hands regularly and properly, it’s a good idea to remember not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Ralph Gonzales, MD, the associate dean of clinical innovation at UCSF Health in San Francisco, says, “Keep your hands away and wash numerous times a day.”
3. Get a Flu Shot
RELATED: 8 Ways to Keep the Flu From Spreading Through Your Household
4. Keep Your Immune System Strong
5. Don’t Overexert Yourself
Moderate exercise is beneficial for immune system health, but overdoing it may actually be counterproductive, especially during cold and flu season, Gonzales says. While research has shown that moderate-intensity exercise improves immune function and potentially reduces people’s risk of viral respiratory infections, prolonged and intense exercise can actually suppress immune system function.
RELATED: Should You Work Out When You’re Sick?
6. Clean Surfaces
The flu virus can live on a surface for up to 48 hours after someone who is infected touches it. When someone who doesn’t have the flu touches that surface and then touches their own eyes or mouth, they can become infected.
7. Don’t Smoke
8. Consider Vitamin C and Zinc
When it comes to supplements that may fight off viral infections, two may be worth considering: vitamin C and zinc.
RELATED: 7 Potential Benefits of Zinc Supplements
9. Consider Wearing a Face Mask
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