8 Highly Effective Cold Prevention Strategies
Check out these highly effective cold prevention strategies. It is that time of the year again when you have to worry about catching a cold, but there are several different ways that you can keep yourself from coming down with one and also passing it on to other people. It is a collection of some useful tips to avoid cold.
1. Wash your hands more frequently - The world we live in is filled with viruses and bacteria that can make us ill. Your hands are no exceptions. Wash your hands often to keep them clean. If you cannot wash them, at least use some hand sanitizer.
One of the most effective ways to keep from catching a cold or passing one on to others is to simply wash your hands with soap and water. You should wash your hands more frequently during the cold season and teach your children to do the same. If there are times when water is not available to you, use an alcohol-based product that will disinfect your hands.
2. Drink hot fluids, especially in the morning - The rhinovirus incubates in the back of the throat and spreads in the upper respiratory area because it’s cooler than the body temperature. Rhinovirus can’t survive at 98.6 (hence it doesn’t travel far down into the bronchi or the lungs). By drinking hot fluids (such as hot tea and lemon) you can prevent the virus from incubating.
3. Keep your hands out of your face - We have already discussed the germs and viruses on your hands. You cannot wash them continuously, so in between washings keep your hands out of your face. Your face is an open portal to your insides. Keep the germs away from your portal. So, make sure to keep your hands away from your nose and eye as cold germs enter these areas very easily. Make sure to stay away from people who already have colds and if you have a cold, do the same. When you have to sneeze or cough, make sure to cover your nose or mouth and do not sneeze or cough into your hands, use your elbow instead.
4. Drink more water - Drinking more water is my answer to everything. Water will help clean out your body and keep it clean. It will also keep your body functioning at 100%. You should drink at least (eight) 8oz glasses of water every day. This will also help you lose weight.
5. Eat fruits and vegetables - There are phytochemicals and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables that can help strengthen your immune system and prevent diseases. You should eat at least four servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits every day.
6. Multivitamins - If you are not eating all of your fruit and vegetable servings, you should take a multivitamin to ensure you are getting all of the vitamins your body needs to function properly. Take a simple one-a-day multivitamin every day.
7. Stay warm - Being cold weakens your immune system and makes your body more susceptible to illness. Look at the day’s temperature forecast before leaving your home. Wear layers in and out of your home when it is cold.
8. Relax and rest - Stress weakens your immune system. You can reduce your stress levels by relaxing and getting more sleep. Sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy immune system. Sleep will also boost your recovery time if you become ill.
Getting a cold can derail your nutrition and activity plans. However, if you follow the strategies given above, you can prevent this from happening.