How to Prevent the Common Cold
J. Owen Hendley, a professor of medicine at the University of Virginia, believes there could be up to 200 rhinovirus varieties, which are a cause of the common cold. It almost seems inevitable we would catch the virus at least once per year. However, the good news is there are effective ways to prevent your chance of suffering from a cold.
Flu Vaccinations
A top tip for avoiding the flu is to receive an influenza vaccination, which is a must for pregnant women and the elderly. However, it is important to note that all flu vaccinations are not always successful, and you can sometimes experience a cold after the inoculation.
Cold Contamination
One of the easiest ways to catch a cold virus is by touching door handles, taps and surfaces, as they are regularly touched by multiple people. It is therefore recommended to avoid rubbing your eyes or nose, which we can often do without even thinking about it.
To avoid picking up a virus, you should ensure you regularly wash your hands with soap and water. A pocket-sized alcohol hand sanitizer is also a great option when on the move, as you can clean your hands when you step off public transport or after you have used shop door handles.
photo/Damianosullivanh
Stay Warm
It’s important to remain warm during the colder winter months when the virus is at its peak. That means wrapping up in a hat, scarf, gloves and a winter warming coat, as well as effectively heating your home. Warm rooms offer affordable heating solutions for a cosy house, office or apartment, or you could opt for a comfortable blanket whilst you watch TV.
Enjoy Plenty of Sleep
It is essential you experience a good night’s sleep each night if you want to avoid a cold, as this will create a healthy immune system. To ward off the virus, aim for at least eight hours of sleep per night.
Avoid Close Contact with Cold Sufferers
Try to avoid sick people if you would like to maintain a healthy body. Close contact, such as shaking hands, could eventually result in you suffering with the dreaded virus. So, if you must see someone who is suffering from a cold, try to keep touching to a minimum.
A Healthy Body
A healthy body is a strong body. If you eat nutritious food, don’t smoke, exercise regularly and keep allergies at bay, you can naturally prevent contracting a cold. So, make the right food choices, drink plenty of water and stay active to ensure your body is ready for the colder months.
A Clean Environment
If you or a loved one unfortunately suffer with a cold one season, it’s encouraged you maintain a clean and germ-free environment whenever possible. One of the best ways to do just that is by sanitizing doorknobs and light switches, which are regularly touched in the home. Look around the home and try to identify what will most likely be contaminated with the germs, as this will prevent the virus from spreading throughout the family.
Author: Carol Trehearn
