Almost nobody is immune to the common cold, but there are some things you can do to protect yourself.
According a report by federal researchers, the common cold costs Americans nearly $40 billion each year in missed work and school days, doctor visits and various medications. But when you’re all stuffed up and unable to fall asleep – or worse, comforting a sick child – you feel like you’d do anything for the symptoms to lighten up. Since the common cold is a virus (which means it’s not vulnerable to antibiotics), the best approach to fighting cold viruses is to avoid getting them. Early to Rise, a health-based non-profit, offers these tips:
- If you are around other people, wash your hands constantly and wipe down things that they touch.
- Make it a habit to use hand lotion that contains pyroglutamic acid, an antiseptic skin cleanser kills most cold viruses that are on the skin and ones introduced hours later.
- Keep your immune system strong by taking natural supplements like echinacea, vitamin C and plenty of antioxidants.
- Avoid foods heavy in starch and sugar. Both can extend the lifespan of the cold virus.
- Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is necessary for your immune system to work as well as it should.
If you do come down with a cold, it’s probably not your first and likely won’t be your last. According to the American Medical Association, adults get two to four colds a year; kids can get six to eight. For more cold and flu resources, check out the Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s guide to respiratory illnesses.
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