Helpful Tips to Avoid the Common Cold
Getting through the winter without contracting a common cold is impossible for many. In fact, we average two to three colds per year as adults, with children acquiring more. While a typical head cold can make us feel lousy, it is usually harmless and will begin to clear up within a week to ten days.
Colds are viral and contracted quickly through the mouth, nose, and eyes. They can spread by droplets in the air from a cough or sneeze of an infected person. Shaking someone’s hand or touching contaminated objects like doorknobs can also spread the cold. The most common virus to cause a cold is a rhinovirus.
Common Cold Symptoms
We all recognize the signs of an impending cold, usually starting with a sore throat. Symptoms gradually diminish and are relieved by over-the-counter medications, depending on the severity and underlying health conditions.
Runny, stuffy nose
Sore, scratchy throat
Cough
Upper chest congestion
Sneezing
Body aches and headache
Low-grade fever
Where to Avoid Catching the Common Cold
Increased risk factors can make some more vulnerable to catching a cold than others, especially if your immune system is already compromised by chronic illness and smoking.
Location plays a significant factor. Schools, open-concept office buildings, airplanes, and any public space where you are exposed to people in an enclosed area increase your risk of infection. Young children are particularly susceptible due to school and daycare environments.
Ways to Prevent Catching a Cold
You can’t take a vaccine against the common cold. Still, there are preventative measures that you can adopt to reduce your chances of exposure to cold viruses. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough restful sleep will help boost your overall health and immune system.
Wash your hands regularly and with soap for several moments to eliminate harmful germs. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers of at least sixty percent alcohol are also effective and readily available.
Cough into tissues or your sleeve if necessary. Avoid coughing into the open air or your hands. Stay clear of others that are coughing and wear a mask when possible.
Disinfect surfaces you come into frequent contact with, like doorknobs, countertops, desk surfaces, and light switches. Children’s toys are notorious for carrying germs and easily spread when handled by more than one child. Don’t share drinking glasses, keyboards, mice, or any other item that can spread the virus.
Eat healthy meals consisting of leafy greens. They are high in vitamins and boost immune system function.
Stay hydrated with water and avoid alcohol, which can weaken the immune system over time.
Watch your stress levels. Use exercise, walk outdoors to get some vitamin D, or try Yoga classes, such as those found at Sankofa Yoga, to minimize toxic stress that can compromise your immunity.
Avoiding the common cold takes common sense and some luck. For those that experience lingering or worsening symptoms, or complications due to pre-existing medical conditions like Asthma, C.O.P.D., and other immune compromising conditions, it is always advisable to seek medical attention, such as Sankofa Health, located in Laurel, MD.