What are 5 Ways to Stop a Cold Before It Comes?

The common cold is a mild viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that can cause a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and congestion. Most adults get two to three colds per year, and children can get up to 10 colds per year. While there is no cure for the common cold, there are things you can do to prevent it from developing in the first place.

Here are five ways to stop a cold before it comes:

1. Wash your hands often.

One of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after being around someone who is sick. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

If you are around someone who has a cold, try to avoid close contact with them. This means staying at least six feet away and avoiding touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. If you must be close to someone who is sick, wear a mask to help prevent the spread of germs.

3. Get enough sleep.

Sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. When you don't get enough sleep, your body is more susceptible to infection. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night.

4. Eat a healthy diet.

Eating a healthy diet helps to keep your immune system strong. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You should also limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.

5. Manage stress.

Stress can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infection. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.

In addition to the above tips, there are a few other things you can do to help prevent colds:

Get a flu shot every year. The flu shot does not protect against the common cold, but it can help to prevent the flu, which is a more serious illness.

Use a humidifier in your home. Dry air can irritate your throat and make you more susceptible to infection. Using a humidifier can help to add moisture to the air and keep your throat healthy.

Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Smoking and secondhand smoke can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infection.

If you do start to feel sick, there are a few things you can do to help relieve your symptoms:

Get plenty of rest. Your body needs rest to heal.

Drink plenty of fluids. This will help to keep your throat moist and prevent dehydration.

Take over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to relieve pain and fever.

Use a saline nasal spray. This can help to clear congestion.

If your symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days, see a doctor.

Here are some additional tips to help you stop a cold before it comes:

Boost your immune system with natural supplements. There are a number of natural supplements that can help to boost your immune system and fight off infection. These include zinc, vitamin C, and elderberry.

Eat a garlic clove a day. Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to fight off infection.

Use a nasal irrigation pot. A nasal irrigation pot can help to flush out mucus and allergens from your nasal passages. This can help to prevent colds and other upper respiratory infections.

Avoid touching your face. This can help to prevent the spread of germs from your hands to your nose, mouth, and eyes.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent colds and other upper respiratory infections. However, if you do get sick, there are a number of things you can do to help relieve your symptoms and recover quickly.