It’s that time of year where temperatures are dropping, and many may have noticed more and more coughing and sneezing occurring.

Guthrie County Health Services Director Jotham Arber says that while some illnesses do come out more in colder weather, not all are linked to decreased temperatures. He explains that some come from being in close contact with others more often, and around the holidays when families are celebrating together, sometimes underprepared food can cause what’s been dubbed the stomach flu. Arber tells Raccoon Valley Radio a few ways to help keep from getting sick.

“Making sure that we’re staying at home when we’re sick. Making sure that we’re washing our hands, and you’ve heard us say that now for the last four years all the time, wash, wash, wash your hands. Twenty seconds of hand washing is the best thing we can do regardless of the virus, bacteria, fungus, parasite, whatever it is that’s gonna make us sick. Washing our hands is gonna be one of the best things we can do to keep ourselves healthy.”

Arber mentions that for intestinal illnesses, it’s best to always make sure that foods are cooked properly, and that cold foods aren’t allowed to get too warm or sit out too long.