Every flu season sees most of us stocking up on germ-busting medicines and remedies to shield us from the vagaries of colds and flu. There is no better place to start with this defence plan than in our own homes.

Here are a few things you can do to combat a dreaded case of the sniffles as far as possible:

Clean out germs’ favourite hideouts

Our homes tend to be hot spots for germs to hide out and manifest themselves. Places such as the kitchen sink, counter tops, remote controls, hard-to-reach places such as behind fridges and stoves, toilet handles and toilet seats are just some of the places where germs and bugs congregate and wait to pounce on us – their unsuspecting ‘prey’. Before flu season starts, be sure to do a thorough clean down of all these spots in the home.

Get a handle on germs

Considering that bacteria and germs relish gathering on items such as doorknobs, changing plastic cupboard and door handles to metal can help prevent a build-up of germs in your home. Oligodynamic metals (for example, silver, copper, and brass) contain ions that kill cells like bacteria, fungi, and other viruses. If you add these metals to your home, they can work on your behalf to kill germs.

Stock up on supplies
Sometimes catching a flu is simply beyond prevention. To make sure you don’t have to drag yourself to the pharmacy in your slippers and tissue-stuffed nightgown, stock up on medication now before the bug bites you. Just be sure to store your medicine in a safe place beyond the reach of small children. Stocking up on novels, movies, and board games is also a good idea to keep you occupied while you fight off the flu.