Microbiologist Says To Avoid The Flu, Go Outside

07:00

November 01, 2013

A microbiologist recommends spending time outside in order to avoid getting sick this flu season. (Maxwell GS/Flickr)

Want to avoid catching the flu or your co-worker's cold this year?

Get some fresh air and wash your hands with soap and water, microbiologist Jack Gilbert tells Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson.

Gilbert says we've created an urban world complete with air conditioning, filtration and windows that don't open, leading to an environment of homogeneous microbes.

Add a healthy dose of bacteria from the outdoors, and you may just be fine. Getting a dog could help, too.

Guest

Jack Gilbert, microbiologist at Argonne National Laboratory, and associate professor of ecology and evolution at the University of Chicago.

This segment aired on November 1, 2013.