How to Avoid Getting A Common Cold

Did you know that the common cold is the most frequently spread illness? Colds are a virus and since new viruses are constantly developing it's nearly impossible to build up resistance to a cold. Symptoms can range from nasal congestion, sore throat (or scratchy throat), headache, fever and sneezing.

However you can use some precautions that will help you avoid catching the common cold.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• awareness of how you catch a cold

1. Frequent hand washing is the most important in keeping yourself healthy. If you can't wash your hands frequently throughout the day make sure to carry a hand sanitizer with you for use in-between those times when you can wash your hands.

2. Try to avoid touching doorknobs. When entering or leaving any room try not to touch the doorknob but if you have to use a paper towel or tissue rather than your hand to turn the knob. The same goes for faucets in public restrooms.

3. Don't shake hands. The easiest way for a cold to spread is through contact with someone who has a cold. That person might blow their nose and then shake your hand thereby passing the virus to you.
   
   The cold virus can live on objects such as cell phones, keyboards and pens. Make sure you wipe down the keyboard if you use someone else's computer or borrow a pen or cell phone.

4. Vitamin C and Echinacea are good to take at the first sign of a cold. However taking Vitamin C daily (at least 1000 mg) is beneficial. Eating foods high in Vitamin C will also be an easy way to make sure you are getting Vitamin C. Eat foods such as oranges, kiwi, grapefruit and mango but also remember that broccoli, peppers, tomatoes and even baked potatoes have Vitamin C.

Tips & Warnings

• Carry sanitzing wipes with you especially when shopping. Those cart handles can have zillions of germs so make sure to wipe the handle before you start shopping.
• Never let your child touch the handle of a shopping cart and then eat as you shop. It's too easy to touch a germy handle and then transfer germs into mouth.
• Don't let yourself get run down.
• Make sure you get enough sleep

[jeni10]

on 11/7/2009 With cold and flu season here, this is a very timely article. Thanks for sharing how to avoid getting a common cold. 5*

[goodselfme]

on 10/21/2009 Tx for the ways to avoid getting a common cold.

[walker7]

on 10/20/2009 Great tips...thank you!

[SarahElizabeth]

on 10/20/2009 Thanks for this great article. I've found that taking Cold-Eeze whenever colds are going around has been very helpful. 5*

[besesitos]

on 10/11/2009 Thanks for the article on How to Avoid Getting A Common Cold! Yes, no more shaking hands during the Mass to keep us healthy! Hugs