We all have been bogged down by common cold, which effects our productivity at times. Colds are mainly caused by viral infections, which are in abundance. We cannot prevent the spread of cold, however we can take precaution to keep ourselves safe.
Wash your hands often
Since cold is an airborne infection, you can get infected by coming into contact with any infected object. viz, door handles, shopping trolleys etc. Keeping your hands clean help in killing the viruses & keeping you safe. You can also carry a hand sanitizer or wet-wipes when visiting public places.
Avoid touching your face
Especially avoid touching your eyes, nose & mouth. Do not if you have been around someone with a cold or been to a public area. If you have cold, then bu avoiding touching your face, you avoid giving the cold back to yourself. Use tissues and dispose them off safely to keep the virus in check.
Drink lot of fluids
Its true that fluids help quick healing. Even if you feel sickened with your cold, keep yourself hydrated, because lack of fluids in your system may contribute to prolonging your symptoms. Remember to drink your quota of 8 glasses of water everyday – even during the rains.
Take it easy
Do not push your body, thinking being busy will get rid of cold. Excess activity brings down immunity. Besides staying outside will aid the spread of cold. Take rest indoors. Need not stay in the bed all day, which will make you bored, but preferably take some time off.
Know your cold
If the cold has not cured, it is safe to visit your doctor, to rule out chances of anything severe. Especially if you experience facial pain, persistent headache, fever, a green or yellow nasal discharge as opposed to clear. Other symptoms may include upset stomach, nausea, headache and pain behind the eyes.
Resist excess drying medication
Decongestants may work easier, but don’t overuse them. They remove moisture, rob the body of its ability to drain, and cause medicinal tolerance to build up. Too much of them may cause jitters, tremors, elevated blood pressure and constipation. It makes sense to diligently stick to the proven methods – steam inhalation, salt water gargling, boiled turmeric milk etc.
As a daily practice, to prevent getting infected, include meditation, some kind of exercise, like yoga, running etc in your lifestyle. Also maintain a healthy diet with lot of immunity boosters. Stay tuned for more on this.