COLD & FLU RELIEF
how to avoid a cold: 7 proven tips
The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
Ready to take on cold season? The secret to avoiding getting sick is arming yourself with the right information and using some good old-fashioned common sense. Get yourself in virus-fighting shape with these proven cold-prevention strategies and tips.
1. Wash Your Hands
Did you know the cold virus can live on your hands for several hours? To avoid getting sick, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Avoid Touching Your Face
This advice especially applies if you haven’t washed your hands! Touching your eyes, mouth and nose is like opening the door and welcoming cold viruses in. Resist the urge as much as you can.
#1: you’ll catch a cold by being
out in the cold
There’s no proof that being outside in the cold can increase your risk. Viruses are spread through close contact with those who have been infected. That means you’re more likely to catch a cold from a packed house party than from going outside without a coat.
3. Stay Active
Stay one step ahead of the cold virus by getting those steps in! Regular exercise like walking three times a week can help keep your immune system in great shape. Physical activity may help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways. This may reduce your chance of getting a cold, flu, or other illness.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Why is sleep so important? It plays a role in your susceptibility to colds, especially your sleep efficiency, or the amount of time you sleep after you get into bed. In the weeks before exposure to a cold virus, poor sleep efficiency increases your chances of developing a cold. So, aim to get 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night.
#2: vitamin c and zinc can prevent
a cold
Don’t get us wrong — vitamin C and zinc are important nutrients for your immune system, but they can’t perform miracles. When it comes to recovering from a cold, some sources speculate these nutrients may help you feel better sooner. But when it comes to cold prevention, many studies show these nutrients won’t reduce the number of colds you catch.
5. Eat Immune-boosting Foods
Get your immune system in tip-top shape during cold season by eating like a cold-prevention champ. The nutrients you eat may impact immune cells and cause changes in the way they function. So, make it a goal to eat healthy. Eat nutrient dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Limit foods and beverages high in sugar, sodium, and saturated fat. Also limit alcohol.
6. Disinfect Items
You can help prevent cold viruses from spreading in your home by disinfecting shared areas. This includes bathroom and kitchen surfaces, and anything touched often in your home: think doorknobs, light switches, or remote controls.
#3: you can cure a cold
Sorry, there’s no cure for the common cold. However, there are things you can do to reduce the severity of your symptoms. If you happen to catch a cold, arm yourself with a symptom relief powerhouse like Alka-Seltzer Plus®. Use as directed.
7. Avoid Contact with Sick People
If a friend or family member has a cold and you don’t want to risk getting sick, avoid contact with them until the illness has run its course. If you need an excuse, just tell them, “It’s not you, it’s me.”
