Proven Strategies to Prevent and Overcome the Common Cold

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Experiencing sleepless nights and a general sense of lousiness, falling ill with a cold is far from pleasant. Moreover, colds always seem to strike at the most inconvenient moments, such as right before a vacation, a birthday, or during the holiday season. But what exactly are colds and how can we keep ourselves from catching them?

According to Dr. Delana Wardlaw, a family medicine doctor at Temple Health in Philadelphia, colds are upper respiratory viruses that primarily spread through droplets produced when someone coughs or sneezes. This means that coming into contact with sick individuals or touching contaminated surfaces and subsequently touching our faces can result in catching a cold.

Dr. Richard Chung, an adolescent medicine specialist at Duke Health in North Carolina, explains that colds are the most common acute illness in the United States. While they are typically not severe, they can cause significant disruption in households, workplaces, and schools.

To protect yourself from catching a cold, it is crucial to practice good hygiene. Regularly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is an effective way to prevent the spread of cold viruses. Additionally, disinfecting high-touch surfaces like door handles, cell phones, and light switches can help eliminate cold virus droplets.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also reduce your risk of catching a cold. Getting enough sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, and managing chronic medical conditions can strengthen your immune system, making you more resistant to illnesses.

Considering the current climate, wearing a mask is highly recommended as it not only protects against COVID-19 but also other respiratory viruses like the common cold. Avoiding crowded indoor spaces, especially in the days leading up to important events, can further reduce your risk of catching a cold.

While there are various supplements like zinc, probiotics, and vitamins C and D that people commonly use to prevent colds, their effectiveness is not fully supported by scientific evidence. It is best to consult with your doctor before trying any new supplements, as taking excessive amounts can be harmful.

When it comes to treating a cold, there is no magic medicine. Over-the-counter medications may temporarily alleviate symptoms, but they do not cure the cold itself. It is important to note that antibiotics should not be used to treat a cold, as they are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections like colds.

If your cold worsens and you experience worrisome symptoms such as a high fever or shortness of breath, it is advisable to seek medical care, especially if you are more prone to complications due to age or underlying health conditions. However, for most people, a cold will run its course and resolve on its own with time.

In conclusion, by practicing good hygiene, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, wearing masks in certain situations, and avoiding crowded spaces, you can significantly reduce your risk of catching a cold. While supplements and medications may offer temporary relief, the best course of action is to allow your immune system to fight off the cold naturally.

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Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
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