About two weeks ago I felt a scratchiness in my throat that’s always the initial sign of a cold. But like always, I took immediate action and drowned myself in vitamin C and cold medications. Within a couple days my symptoms disappeared and I had successfully outsmarted the germs.

This technique usually works, wherein I’m able to avoid a full-blown cold. Of course, it isn’t foolproof and I usually get at least one cold a year. But I’m happy to say that it’s been several years since I’ve been sick with the flu–and I’ve never had a flu shot. The fact that I work from home likely contributes to my good fortune. Still, I spend a great amount of time outside the home, and I’m likely to come in contact with someone’s flu virus—some day. But in the meantime, I’ve adopted a few habits to help ward off colds and flu.

As freelancers, telecommuters and home based business owners, we’re the life of our businesses. Thus, it’s vital to maintain our health and keep our businesses moving forward.

• Wash hands or apply anti-bacterial gel upon entering your home and eating.
• Spray or wipe door knobs and commonly touched surfaces (telephones, remote controls, light switches, etc) with disinfected.
• Sneeze and cough into your sleeves,
• If you sneeze or cough into your hands, immediately wash your hands.
• Don’t shake hands, if possible.
• Take a multivitamin to boost your immune system and fight infections.
• Take medication at the first sign of impending cold.
• Properly dispose of Keenex tissues - in other words, don’t leave them laying on the floor, in the bed or on your desk.
• Avoid contact with sick persons.
• Keep your hands away from your mouth and face.