How to avoid catching a cold – tips and tricks to stay healthy
Runny nose, coughing and a tired body. Catching a cold is something we all would like to avoid, yet it appears just as certain as Monday comes before Tuesday.
Common cold is an infection that can last over a few days. It is amongst the most common sicknesses we have and there is no cure against it. Luckily the symptoms can be eased, but isn’t it better to just avoid catching a cold to begin with? These are our tips!
These are the symptoms to recognize:
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Mucus
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Sore muscles
Most symptoms will pass after a few days. The cold itself is usually gone within a week to ten days, but symptoms may stay along a little longer. If the cold leads to other infections such as sinusitis, pneumonia or ear infection you should see your doctor. These demands treatment.
How to avoid catching a cold
There are plenty of home remedies for how to keep the cold away. Not all of them are quite as rooted in science. Yet, these routines can be a clever way to avoid catching a cold:
- Handwash: basic knowledge, yet so efficient. Thoroughly washing your hands with soap and hot water will remove potential bacteria and viruses who found their way to your hands
- Don’t touch your face: bacteria and viruses depend on you to give them a lift from your hand and into your mouth, nose or other mucous membrane. The way is short from there to infection.
- Keep distance: avoid being around other people who are sick. A cold mainly spreads through airborne droplets, and you will be at great risk of getting sick if you are around when the sick person sneezes, coughs or gets somewhat eager when speaking and let spit fly around.
- Wash often used surfaces: surfaces you often touch should be regularly washed with bactericidal substances. Bacteria may spread through surfaces and you may avoid catching a cold if you make sure to keep these clean.
Strengthen your immune system
A trick old as the sun to avoid catching a cold is to increase your C-vitamin intake. There really isn’t much scientific hold for the statement, except the discussion regarding whether or not a C-vitamin boost may reduce and simplify the sickness period.
Nevertheless, avoid catching a cold to begin with must be a better solution. Your immune system is responsible for keeping you healthy. Therefore, doing what you can to strengthening it will be beneficial. The most efficient you can do is to ensure a healthy diet. Your immune system depends on vitamin A, C and D, in addition to minerals and zinc.
Other actions to avoid catching a cold might include limiting stress. When you are stressed, the stress hormone called cortisol is released into your body where it prevents the immune system of doing its job properly. The same happens when you have too little or too poor sleep, which often follows stress in general.
Get enough zinc
Zinc improves your immune system by protecting the cells from oxidative stress. The dietary supplement Royal Tan contains more than just beta carotene for a deep, golden tan. It holds zinc, which in addition to strengthening your hair and nails also improves your immune system. Increasing the intake of zinc might then be worth thinking of if you are looking to avoid catching a cold. Read more about Royal Tan here.