The year 2020 has been marred by one of the worst health pandemics in recent memory, the Coronavirus. But even though this virus has taken headlines, there is another that we are far more familiar with, that being the common cold.
It’s no coincidence that it has the word ‘common’ in its name. Colds happen so frequently that healthy adults average at least 2-3 colds per year. Children average even more than that on a yearly basis.
But if you keep getting colds, maybe its time you switch up your approach to keeping yourself healthy. Here are five things to do to help you avoid getting sick.
Five Things To Do
This list is by no means a ‘be all, to end all’, but it can be used as a template to start your own approach at fighting against the common cold. Make sure you choose what works best for you and your family.
Practice Good Hygiene
This should come essentially to people because there is such a thing as offensive body odor. But unfortunately, this is not a commonly held idea for others. Either way, practicing good hygiene is essential to stopping the spread of viruses.
Transmission of viruses happen most often by your hands and can enter the respiratory system through your eyes, mouth, and nose. Washing hands properly with soap has been seen to reduce transmission by 16-21 percent
Disinfect Your Home
Viruses have a notorious knack for living on surfaces for extended periods of time (this is subject to temperature and humidity). Some surfaces include:
- fabric
- paper
- metal
- plastic
- glass
Thoroughly disinfecting common household places and things that are frequently used with alcohol or bleach-based products can help mitigate this.
Keep The Air Fresh &Clean
Common colds are in fact respiratory viruses, which means they can be airborne. A sneeze from an infected person can travel over 12 feet and infect others if not properly taken care of.
For those infected the best way to reduce transmission is to stay at home if possible, and for both infected and uninfected, wearing masks like kn95 masks can help significantly reduce the spread of viruses.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising has shown that it not only reduces many other health problems but also increases the resilience of your immune system and your ability to fight off respiratory viruses like the cold.
If you exercise regularly, you reduce your susceptibility to contracting viruses like the cold.
Read More: These 5 Benefits of Garlic Will Surprise Anyone
See Your Doctor
Normally you shouldn’t have to consult your doctor over something like a cold unless it becomes something worse, you can usually take care of a cold at home.
However, if you find that you’re getting sick more often than normal, or sustaining one longer than normal, you may want to consult your doctor.
Colds can be early signs of more serious underlying issues. And before things get worse, it is best to talk to your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.
Don’t Keep Getting Colds
Catching a cold happens often for many people. But you don’t have to suffer more than necessary. If you keep getting colds, try these options, and more to help reduce your susceptibility.
