Effective Prevention Tips for the Common Cold

Contracting the common cold involves suffering from sore throat, sneezing, nose, and cough. It is a disease affecting many communities. Colds may be common, but these infections are enough to make you miss work or classes. The most effective way to fight colds is to prevent them. Going to your local urgent care facility can help as well. If you want to know how to prevent the common cold, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Keeping hands away from the face

Viruses can affect the body by clinging to the mucous areas. The eyes, nose, and mouth are easy portals of entry for these pathogens. Viruses can cling to the person’s hands. These organisms can then reach the eyes, nose, and mouth when the hands touch the face. Wiping these mucous areas with unwashed hands can result in contracting the common cold. Keeping the hands from touching the face can prevent the cold virus from entering the body.

Washing hands as often as possible

Handwashing is the body’s first line of defense against the common cold. Doing this for 20 seconds can help prevent any infection. Plain soap and clean water are enough as cleaning materials. Focusing under the fingernails and between the fingers will remove the stuck grime and pathogens. Rinsing well and then drying the hands with a clean towel will make the hands ready for sanitation. Using ethyl alcohol or a hand sanitizer will remove leftover pathogens a.

Children must learn this habit as early in life as possible. Using hand sanitizers is a good alternative to soap and water. Washing hands before and after eating is ideal. Doing the same after coughing or sneezing can prevent the spread of the cold virus.

Quitting the habit

The common cold can worsen if the person smokes. Tobacco smoke can damage and irritate the lungs and throat. The symptoms of cold can cause more damage to the upper respiratory tract. Secondhand smoke can do the same degree of damage. Studies show that smoking tobacco can suppress the body’s anti-viral response. This weakens the body in fighting off the cold virus.

Keeping surfaces clean

Cleaning the surfaces at home as often as possible will keep them free of pathogens. Viruses can stay on surfaces for hours after contact with an infected individual. Focusing on areas people touch often. These are doorknobs, remote controls, phones, handles, and keyboards. Using disinfectants, bleach, soap, and water will be enough to keep the common cold away.

Using disposable items

An infected family member or houseguest can be a source of the common cold for the entire family. Using disposable gloves, plates, utensils, and cups will be helpful in keeping the virus from affecting the rest of the household. This is important if there are children in the house. Kids tend to drink from other people’s mugs and eat from other people’s plates.