Common Cold Prevention - 10 Best Ways To Stop A Cold

The human body is made up in such a way that it can become prone to various things like climate, change in seasons, physical injury, and so on.

Therefore, speaking in this context, a common cold is one such thing that is beyond the control of us humans.

Also, every now and then you will notice that either you or anybody in your family, relatives, friends, and neighbors often catch a cold, whether it may be due to a change in the season, or there may be some other common reason.

If you need any assistance or have a question about Common Cold, you can consult our HearingSol experts with your problem, feel free to call us on +91-9327901950. We are always here to help you.

In short, there is really no escape from cold. However, there are ways that we can deal with it and we can show you how as you read further.

Common Cold: Table of Content

What Is The Common Cold?

The common cold is caused by a viral infection of your nose and throat. Normally it is harmless and it can be caused by various types of viruses.

As you may know, there are several types of cold that we humans can become prone to. These can be listed as:

Common cold
Fever
Pneumonia
Flu

Thus, all these types listed above fall in the category of cold. Also, when individuals catch a cold in any stage of their life, they often tend to show certain signs and symptoms that may last from a few days to even a couple of weeks.

Common Cold Symptoms

Some common signs and symptoms that usually occur when an individual suffers from cold are:

Cough
Sore throat
Runny nose
Sneeze
Headache
A rise in body temperature
Sweating
Nasal Congestion
Hoarse Voice

Common Cold Causes

Well, there could be many types of viruses that can cause a common cold. Out of all these viruses, Rhinoviruses is the most common felon. A virus that causes cold can enter your body through your mouth, eyes, and nose.

The cold viruses spread through droplets in the air. These droplets come in the air when a diseased person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

It can also spread by hand to hand contact or by sharing contaminated objects like utensils, towels, toys, or telephone with the person who has a cold. It can only happen if you touch your eyes, mouth, or nose after such exposure or contact.

Common Cold Prevention Tips

Although we are living in an era where technology is quite advanced, yet there is still no absolute cure for cold or its similar health conditions.

However, there are a few ways that can help us protect ourselves from catching a cold and dealing with its after-effects as well. By applying these methods, you will be in a better position to heal naturally and recover quickly.

Here are the top ten tips or methods to help you in common cold prevention:

1. Understand the Needs of Your Body

You may not know or believe this but your body talks to you in a way by giving signs as to its condition, needs, etc. Therefore, giving proper care to your body is paramount and can thus, protect you from sickness, diseases, etc.

2. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Keeping yourself hydrated is the first and foremost method to keep cold at bay. Staying hydrated will not only ease symptoms, such as the sore throat or stuffy nose, but it will also boost your immune system that helps in fighting foreign organisms that attack our body. So, it is advised to drink plenty of water every day.

3. Increase Vitamin C Intake

There are plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C and helps your body not only in its growth but also gives your body the strength to fight against antibodies that often make you sick, catch cold, etc.

For instance, drinking orange or lemon juice not only refreshes your body, but it also contains acid that is useful against sickness-causing organisms like bacteria and viruses.

4. Maintain a Balanced Diet

A healthy balanced diet is a key to a longer and happier life. Eating the right foods, especially when you are suffering from cold or other similar conditions is essential and it is also advised by professional doctors to their patients.

Thus, having a hot soup made either from chicken, mutton or green vegetables can help in soothing your upper respiratory tracts, throat, nasal passages, and congestion.

5. Gargle with Salt Water

If you have mucus build-up in your throat, or your throat is sore due to cold, take a half teaspoon of salt, mix it in a glass of warm water and gargle a few times every day.

Gargling with salt water a few times daily during cold helps in loosening the mucus in your throat and is also helpful in treating sore throat.

6. Take a Hot Bath or Shower

Generally, when a person is suffering from cold, a hot shower or bath is suggested. Taking a bath with hot water is useful as it reduces inflammation of the respiratory and nasal passages to help you breathe easier.

Alternatively, taking a bath with cold water if you are suffering from fever can help in reducing your body temperature.

However, this is usually not recommended to people who have respiratory problems because cold water can cause inflammation of the lungs and make breathing difficult in the individual.

7. Keep the Air in Your Room Moist

Viruses that cause cold often thrive and linger in places where the atmosphere is dry. Hence, humidifying your room’s atmosphere will keep the viruses away and protect you from their attacks.

8. Do Moderate Exercise

The most important way to keep your body strong and healthy is by doing exercises regularly. When you are down with cold, lying in bed the entire day can make you feel uncomfortable and frustrated.

Thus, doing a few moderate exercises like walking, stretching, or perhaps, yoga can help you overcome easily from cold and its symptoms.

For instance, taking a walkout in the sun will give your body the energy it needs to fight from cold and the viruses that cause it.

9. Get Proper Sleep

Sleep is very important. If you are an adult, then you will require 7-8 hours of proper sleep in order to live a healthy life and protect yourself from many sicknesses.

During sleep, your body is able to confront the symptoms of cold and will make you feel much better when you get up after a sound sleep.

10. Over-the-Counter Medicine

There are, of course, certain prescribed medicines that are available at pharmacies that you can take in order to heal the cold you are suffering from.

Conclusion

Most of the time, a common cold lasts for 7 to 10 days however if your symptoms stay there for long, you might need to concern a doctor.

Sometimes, a cold can lead you to infection caused by bacteria in your lungs, ears, or sinuses. In this case, the doctor can prescribe you some antibiotics that will work against bacteria.