The common cold is actually different variations of the same virus. It’s pretty easy for you to contract a cold in the fall, but with these tips, you can avoid this problem.
Sometimes, the common cold is simply annoying and causes a few days of discomfort, but other times it can develop into something more. Typically, you can contract the cold virus by inhaling droplets that contain the virus or touching one of the orifices on your face that will bring the virus into your system. Let’s look at some ways to keep a cold out of your body.
1. Water is Essential in Preventing a Cold
There are many benefits to drinking lots of water every day. One of the greatest of these benefits is the prevention of a cold. Your body needs water to carry out its functions, including fighting off viruses and infections. Even if you don’t like the flavor of water, you need to drink lots of liquids. Broths, teas, and flavored water can work to help keep you hydrated and help prevent colds from taking over and giving you a difficult week.
2. Lower Your Stress Levels
If you suffer from stress-related disorders, you’re more susceptible to getting colds than other people. One reason some people get sick during the fall months is the stress of the upcoming holidays. If you want to avoid a cold, you’ll need to reduce your stress. Stress is bad for your immune system and for everything else in your body. You’ve got to find ways to manage stress and boost your defenses against colds.
3. Honey Could be Your Secret Ingredient
Adding honey to a cup of tea, eating it plain, or adding it to your food can boost your immune system. Honey has antioxidants and antimicrobial effects on your body, which means it can help you fight infections. Often, adding honey to your regular diet can be much more effective as a preventative than other remedies. This natural substance is also great for relieving sore throats, making it one of the best things to continue to take and enjoy if you do happen to catch a cold and need some relief.
4. Adding Zinc Could be Beneficial
There are often two schools of thought when it comes to zinc. This element is supposed to be great at helping you avoid getting a cold but could also have some side effects. It’s a good idea to try zinc in small doses first. If you experience a loss of smell from nasal swabs, or nausea or other stomach issues, you should discontinue the use of zinc and find a different solution. For some, zinc can work, but for others, it might not be the best option as a cold prevention method.
5. Use Steam Treatments When You Feel a Cold Coming On
Steam has been a great method for relieving and exfoliation for many years. Breathing in steam can help mucus drain from your nasal passages and make you feel better. While inhaling steam hasn’t been proven as an effective way to avoid a cold, it can make you feel a lot better as a humidifying agent. If you begin to feel the symptoms of a cold, this could be a way to flush your system and get the mucus out of your body.
6. Try Some Over-the-Counter (OTC) Methods, but Be Cautious
Before you try some OTC prevention methods to prevent a cold, you should check the medications you’re already taking. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to make sure the OTC items won’t interact poorly with the prescription medicines you’re already taking. Some of the items that can help prevent a cold or alleviate early symptoms are ibuprofen, throat lozenges, nasal sprays, and cold medicines. Check the labels before use and see if some can help.
7. Vitamin C is Still One of the Best Prevention Methods
A regular vitamin C regiment of at least 200 mg per day is a great way to avoid a cold during the fall. This is something you should add to your day all year long. There are many benefits of vitamin C, but cold prevention is one of the most important. Even if you get a cold, if you’ve been taking vitamin C regularly, you’ll have a cold that’s less severe and shorter in duration than most.
8. Another Great Vitamin is Vitamin D
Go outside and have some fun in the sun. If sunlight is not available in your area, there are lots of vitamin D supplements you can take to have this vitamin in your system. It’s been proven that when you have proper vitamin D levels, you’re less likely to get a cold or contract respiratory infections. If your doctor doesn’t have you on a vitamin D regimen, it’s a good idea to purchase the 600 IU tablets and take those daily. If you have a deficiency of this vitamin, your doctor will tell you what level to take.
9. Focus on a Balanced Diet
Have you ever noticed that college students that live on Ramen and pizza often get colds more often than those that eat a better diet? This happens with everyone. We need a balanced diet to stay healthy, and one of the best ways to avoid a cold is to ensure you’ve got a diet filled with all of the foods you need. If you don’t like vegetables, make sure you add some vitamin supplements to give you the nutrients necessary for your body.
10. Get More Sleep; It Will Help
You can run yourself ragged and work too hard, which makes you more apt to get a cold. Sleep and rest are one of the best ways to prevent getting sick, especially in the fall when everyone else is starting to get sick. If you sleep less than five hours every night, you’re 4.5 times more likely to get a cold than those people that sleep seven or more hours per night.
What are Some Common Cold Symptoms?
If you feel any of these symptoms coming on, do your coworkers and family a favor and avoid them as much as you can. Some of the most common cold symptoms include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Sinus pain or pressure
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Mild to moderate chest discomfort
Use some of these tips to help avoid a cold this fall and stay healthy all year.
