Prevent Common Cold With These Easy Tips

Common colds are annoying for everyone. They’re very common, spread easily, and could be devastating for some people. On average, adults suffer from common colds 2-3 times per year, and I think that’s just too much. Something needs to be done, so you won’t have to suffer from this common yet avoidable illness.

To prevent yourself from getting caught with common colds, you need to know how the illness spreads and learn about some preventative measures that you can do.

Symptoms of common colds

If you’re suffering from any of these, you should assume that you caught a cold and take some rest at home.

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Tiredness
• Low fever

Some people would just keep pushing through with their activities and potentially cause their conditions to get worse. Common colds could come and go but could potentially become worse if you’re not careful. You should act quickly if you want your condition to get better as soon as possible.

How colds spread

Common colds are highly contagious. People who live in a big city have a higher risk of getting infected with the diseases. The most common way of getting infected is by touching contaminated surfaces. You should always be careful when someone near you is coughing and sneezing. This is why wearing a mask and washing your hands are effective at protecting yourself from common colds.

Children are more prone to colds than adults, with 4-8 colds per year on average. Teach your kids how to wash their hands properly to reduce the risk of getting a cold. Also, some people are just more prone to colds than others. If you’re one of them, you should do everything you can to protect yourself.

Tips to prevent yourself from getting colds

Do these tips if you want to be free from common colds and make your entire year more productive.

Exercise regularly

Unfit people are more prone to colds, and since exercise can help build your immune system, it’s a very effective way to prevent colds. Also, if you think you’re already showing symptoms of colds but still fit enough to exercise, then you should do it. Exercising and sweating could help to reduce the effects of colds – so you can go back to your regular activities much sooner.

Get enough sleep

Sleeping more than 8 hours a night helps you to be more immune to colds. This is why adults who sleep less than 7 hours a night are less fit and more prone to colds. You need to watch your sleep schedule more closely, if you wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual several times in a week, then you could be sleep-deprived and increase your chances of catching a cold.

Wash your hands regularly

This needs to be said more often. People touch filthy surfaces without them realizing it. And then they use the same hands to touch their faces and food. This is the most common way of catching a cold. Washing your hands could reduce your chances of getting a cold by a lot. Try to wash your hands every time you’re back inside your home or whenever you have access to water and soap. It’s also useful to train yourself to stop touching your face.

Sneezing etiquette

Sneezing is a common way to spread germs from one person to another. There is a better way to sneeze if you’re not aware of it already. Always sneeze into a tissue then discard the tissue after. This way you can stop the germs from spreading every time you sneeze. It’s also a great idea to wash your face and hands afterward. If you don’t have a tissue, you can use your elbows instead.

Don’t share with others

I am talking about sharing a glass, utensils, etc., especially during the cold season. People who aren’t showing symptoms of common colds might already carry rhinoviruses, which are the most common cause of common colds. Use disposable cups or anything else, so you won’t have to share with others.

Eat better

During the cold season, you should improve your diet with more healthy vegetables and fruits. Consume as many immune-boosting foods as possible. Vegetables and fruits are also versatile and can be eaten every day alongside other foods.

Say goodbye to common colds and be more productive

Common colds are productive killers. Many people are forced to take days off from school or work because of colds. It’s not often that plans got ruined too. This is why you should do everything you can to be cold-free.