How not to Get a Cold When Someone in Your House Is Sick

Even if someone in your home is sick, you can still prevent yourself from also getting sick.

Catching the common cold can put your life on hold. This can be extremely inconvenient for those with young children or demanding jobs. Catching the cold sometimes means you must miss a day or two from school or work. Avoiding catching the cold can be difficult when someone in your household is sick, especially if you are the main caretaker. However, even if someone in your household is sick, avoiding the cold is possible. Taking steps to prevent the spread of cold germs in your home is the best way to avoid getting sick.

Instructions

1. Wash your hands frequently. Remind the person who is sick to also wash her hands frequently.

   Make sure hands are washed properly. It should take at least 20 seconds every time hands are washed.

2. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home. Use sanitizing spray or wipes to wipe down bathrooms, counters, tables, doorknobs, toys, television remotes and all other frequently touched surfaces.

3. Throw all tissues away after use. Do not allow used tissues to pile up on a table or nightstand.

4. Eat a balanced diet. A balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy immune system.

5. Drink eight glasses of water a day and stay hydrated.

6. Stay active and exercise daily.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid too much direct contact with the sick person, since about "80 percent of infectious diseases are spread by touch," according to WebMD. If you do have direct contact with the sick person, make sure you wash your hands after every contact.

• Do not allow the sick person to prepare family meals. This may aid in the spread of germs.

• Do not smoke cigarettes.

• Avoid kissing the sick person.

References

• WebMD: When Kids Are Sick-How to Prevent Germs from Spreading
• Family Doctor: Can I Prevent Catching a Cold or the Flu?
• WebMD: Natural Prevention For Colds