6 Tips to Help Avoiding Catching the Common Cold
The common cold can easily spread from person to person via mucus droplets in the air or contaminated surfaces. As there are more than 200 different cold viruses, you could experience a mild to long-lasting cold. While it is impossible to stop the viral infection from spreading, there are various actions you can take to decrease your likelihood of experiencing a troublesome cold. Read these six tips to avoid catching a common cold.
- Frequent Hand Washing
If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught the world anything, it is the importance of washing your hands to avoid coming into contact with a virus, and this extends to the common cold.
Frequent hand washing is the best protection from both the common cold, influenza, and coronavirus. Washing your hands in warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds can eliminate harmful germs on your skin.
- Don’t Touch Your Face
Despite washing your hands often, you also must avoid touching your face as much as possible, especially your nose, eyes, and mouth. It is essential to avoid doing so if you have spent time with someone who has a cold.
- Clean All Surfaces
The common cold can quickly spread around the home, especially if a loved one is suffering from a viral infection. Prevent members of your family from coming into contact with the virus by keeping all surfaces clean. For instance, you can use an antibacterial spray or soapy, warm water to clean:
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Drawer pulls
- Remote controls
- Countertops
- Keyboards
- Telephones
- Handrails
- Stay Warm
Unless you want to experience a blocked or runny nose, you would be wise to wrap up warm when temperatures start to plummet. So, grab a scarf, a pair of gloves, a hat, and a heavy coat during winter to stay warm outdoors.
Also, it is believed that warmer temperatures can kill viruses at a fast rate, which is why homeowners, employers, and teachers should increase a property’s temperature.
If you have yet to do so, you could install an electric furnace into your HVAC unit to increase and decrease your building’s temperature to match your needs. It could provide a more pleasant environment and help you combat the common cold. Visit thefurnaceoutlet.com to find a compatible electric furnace for your HVAC system.
- Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
Good health is one of the best defenses against infection. Prevent a cold by enjoying a nutritious diet, adopting a strict sleep schedule, and embarking on regular exercise. The above actions could strengthen your immune system, helping your body fight a viral infection.
- Lower Your Stress Levels
According to University of Pittsburgh research, those living with chronic stress are twice as likely to experience the common cold. Researchers believe chronic stress can affect a person’s immune system, which will make them more susceptible to infection. Stay fit and healthy by looking for ways to relax and aim to banish stress triggers from your lifestyle.