Preventing Colds: Six Helpful Tips You Should Know

Sharp changes in the weather are often responsible for the common cold spreading among adults and children. In this article, learn what you need to know about preventing colds.

Changes in the weather can lead to the spread of viruses, some of which are quite easy to catch. For this reason, it’s a good idea to stay one step ahead and take precautions. Preventing colds is possible if you use the right recipes and natural remedies, and follow a few helpful tips.

The human body is susceptible to illnesses spread through the environment. Children are often the most affected by the common cold, as this virus is often found at schools.

Proper nutrition is key to maintaining a healthy body. Consuming foods that contain vitamin C will help keep one’s defenses up.

As a result, it’s useful in preventing colds, as well as other illnesses. Having vitamin C at least three times a day is synonymous with well-being.

Preventing colds: what you need to know

Colds are mainly transmitted through direct contact. For this reason, it’s very difficult to protect oneself completely from catching one.

However, we can adopt a few simple habits to avoid falling victim to this virus. These include:

Washing your hands

This habit can reduce the probability of catching a cold by 60 percent, as the virus travels via contact. We recommend washing your hands often with water and soap.

For greater safety, it’s a good idea to carry antibacterial gel, which will help eliminate any microbes picked up through contact with people and objects.

Make sure your child always has antibacterial gel in his or her backpack. From a young age, you can instill the habit of using a small amount to wash their hands frequently, especially after playing outdoors or playing sports.

Drink plenty of fluids

Most colds affect the throat first. In fact, discomfort, stinging or irritation in the throat is a symptom that presages the emergence of a cold.

This is followed by fever, nasal congestion, and headaches. Therefore, it’s essential to drink plenty of fluids to protect the mucous membrane and vocal cords from infectious agents.

Avoid enclosed spaces with crowds

Often, enclosed spaces such as hospitals, buses and airports are filled with people who are carrying viruses. As much as possible, try to avoid frequenting these spaces, especially when it’s very cold or rainy.

Don’t smoke

It’s essential to avoid consuming cigarettes or tobacco when it appears a cold is imminent. Smokers are more likely to catch this virus, because their respiratory tracts are constantly exposed to harmful substances.

Maintain a healthy diet

Proper nutrition can help strengthen your defenses. Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins – particularly vitamin C – and minerals that activate the immune system are essential to protecting the body from external agents. This is the importance of maintaining a healthy diet.

Protect yourself from cold weather

When going outside, you should wear warm clothing, as well as a scarf to cover the neck area. This is especially true on rainy or particularly cold days. Changes in temperature in fall and winter often bring strong winds and plenty of precipitation.

As you can see, preventing colds isn’t difficult, although the effectiveness of these measures isn’t guaranteed. If you catch a cold despite taking all the aforementioned precautions, the best thing you can do is rest in a cool, quiet room.

With proper rest, you can process the medicine you take more efficiently. This way, you can take on the cold with determination.

Finally, make sure to consume natural remedies like hot herbal tea and other infusions. In addition to the popular medical products designed to fight colds, these will help combat the virus.

If it’s just a common cold and passes without complications, you can follow the advice above. However, if you present other, abnormal symptoms, it’s best to visit a doctor and, of course, avoid self-medication.