How can common cold be prevented

Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette: always cough and sneeze into a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose. There is no cure for a cold. To feel better, you should get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter medicines may help ease symptoms but will not make your cold go away any faster. Always read the label and use medications as directed. Talk to your doctor before giving your child nonprescription cold medicines, since some medicines contain ingredients that are not recommended for children.

Learn more about symptom relief of upper respiratory infections, including colds. Antibiotics will not help you recover from a cold caused by a respiratory virus. They do not work against viruses, and they may make it harder for your body to fight future bacterial infections if you take them unnecessarily. Learn more about when antibiotics work. You should also call your doctor right away if you are at high risk for serious flu complications and get flu symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle or body aches.

People at high risk for flu complications include young children younger than 5 years old , adults 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. If you have cold symptoms lasting longer than two weeks, report this to your health care provider. Also, report symptoms if nasal discharge is yellow or green after 10 days or has an odor. This may mean you have a sinus infection, and could require antibiotics.

Aspirin is not recommended for children under 18 and for people with asthma. Antibiotics and vitamin C are not helpful in relieving symptoms of the common cold. Using antibiotics to treat common colds is one of the reasons that common antibiotics are no longer beneficial when they are necessary. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissues in the trash after you use them.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Get a flu vaccination. Check with your physician about getting a flu shot this year. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Every time you shake hands with someone, wash your hands afterward. Washing your hands prior to eating and touching your face is a crucial way to prevent the spread of harmful viruses and bacteria. Avoid touching your eyes and mouth. Cold and flu germs can easily infect you through your eyes and mouth.

If you must touch your face, wash your hands first. Get adequate sleep. When in doubt, opt for disposable drinking cups, utensils, and towels. It involves regular exercise , healthy foods , and staying hydrated throughout the day. Your body works hard to keep you moving and active, so make sure to give it the food it needs to remain in tip-top shape. Learn about the reasons you might be getting sick….

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We created a list of steam inhalers to suit your needs. You may have heard that you can sweat out a cold, but is this an effective remedy? Learn more here. Typically, postnasal drip can be alleviated at home. Try these remedies and OTC products to relieve your symptoms. Salt water gargles are touted as an effective and easy home remedy for a sore throat. We explain why, plus additional benefits.

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. The Secrets to Never Getting Sick. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Eat green vegetables.

Get Vitamin D. Keep moving.