How Can I Prevent Common Cold?

Do you wash your hands regularly with soap and water for about 20 seconds?

If water and soap are not available to you, do you use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer?

Do you avoid contact with people who have a cold?

Do you disinfect bathroom and kitchen countertops?

If you have children, do you wash their toys occasionally?

Do you avoid sharing drinking glasses or utensils with other family members or friends?

Do you cough or sneeze into a tissue, which you then throw away and wash your hands?

Do you eat a healthy, balanced diet?

Do you sleep enough (about seven hours of good night's sleep)?

Do you exercise regularly or walk at least three times a week?

Have you reduced your alcohol intake or stopped drinking altogether?

Do you cope with stress successfully?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you prevent common cold. Viruses that cause cold can be found on your hands, so washing your hands with soap and water is extremely important. If you are in a situation where soap and water are not available to you, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Try not to touch your nose, eyes and mouth with unwashed hands, because this way you can transmit viruses into your body. Try to avoid close contact with people who have a cold. Also, do not share drinking glasses or utensils with friends or family members.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to prevent common cold. You should also regularly disinfect kitchen and bathroom countertops, especially if one of your family members has a cold. A strong immune system will successfully fight viruses, so you need to eat well, sleep well and exercise regularly. You should eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as foods rich in vitamin D (egg yolks, salmon, beef liver). You can also take vitamin D supplements. Green tea has high levels of antioxidants, so a few cups a day may lead to health benefits. You should avoid alcohol because it weakens your immune system.