While the common cold is rarely a life-threatening condition, it’s a nuisance that most people would like to avoid. Luckily, preventing it requires only a few common-sense practices and minimal effort. Here are the four most effective tips for staying healthy and preventing the cold.
Wash your hands.
Washing your hands is a prevention tip you’ve probably heard your entire life, but it’s definitely one worth revisiting. Since your hands are the part of your body most likely to come into contact with other people and surfaces, they’re a common place for high germ activity, so you’ll want to keep them clean. When washing them, a little soap and warm water are enough to do the trick, but be sure to scrub for at least 20 seconds each time. There isn’t a set number of times per day you should be washing your hands—it all really depends on how much contact you have with the outside world. Aim to wash them both before and after any physical interaction with others or when dealing with any surfaces in public.
Sanitize the surfaces in your home.
There are lots of places where germs can accumulate in your home, including keyboards, phones, doorknobs, and kitchen counters. Regularly sanitizing these areas can help reduce your risk of contracting the common cold. To make things simple, stock up on alcohol-based disinfecting wipes so that you can get the job done quickly and easily. When it comes to sanitizing, you can never be too careful—wipe down any surfaces that even run the risk of harboring germs or bacteria.
Avoid sick people.
This should go without saying, but staying away from people already suffering from the common cold is integral to preventing it. Even if you’re not coming into contact with objects or surfaces used by the sick person, the transfer of germs can occur without you being aware of it. Obviously staying away from children or other family members who are sick will be near impossible, but try to minimize your contact with them as much as you can.
Maintain your physical health.
Eating right and exercising can help strengthen your immune system and keep the common cold at bay. Enjoying whole, unprocessed foods and working out for at least 150 minutes a week has been shown to reduce your risk of illness, and these activities come with a whole host of other benefits as well. However, physical activity is not recommended if you are already suffering from a cold.
