It is common to contract a common cold in winters. It is usually a viral infection with symptoms like cough, sore throat, headache, body pain, coughing, sneezing, and a running rose. These symptoms make an individual’s life uncomfortable and hinder the performance of their daily chores.
Did You Know?
There are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold.
What’s the best way to prevent colds this winter?
Instead of popping multiple pills, it is better to take preventive measures and take care of yourself. Here are a few ways to consider to prevent the onset of cold this winter:
Wash your hands regularly
We cannot overemphasise the importance of this crucial habit that can prevent viruses from reaching you. One of the best habits to adopt since childhood is washing hands at regular intervals. Washing hands at frequent intervals, before eating food, or when touching the face is necessary. The viruses that cause colds survive on the hands for 24 hours. Hence it is advisable to thoroughly wash hands with soap and water.
Invest in a humidifier
A humidifier can help you to stay away from viruses causing colds. Low humidity can cause nasal passages to dry out, making it difficult to trap and eliminate micro bugs. These bugs settle inside and eventually cause you to catch a cold. The benefit of using a humidifier is that it will help to keep the mucous membrane moist. But ensure that the humidifier you are using is clean. Otherwise, it will become the breeding place for molds (species of fungi). The latter can also cause cold-like symptoms.
Drink more water
Usually, our water intake in winter decreases as we tend to feel less thirsty. We need to change this very habit to prevent catching a cold. Staying hydrated in winter is essential as water is known to flush out toxins from the body. Moreover, make sure to drink up to two litres per day. To increase your fluid intake, you can add vegetable or chicken soup to your diet.
Add Vitamin D & Zinc-rich foods to your diet
Try to follow a balanced diet that ensures you take in essential nutrients to stay fit. Make sure to load up on Vitamin D-rich foods along with zinc. Increasing your intake of these nutrients in winter will improve your immunity. Strong immunity will pave the way to good health and reduce the risk of contracting infections.
Keep your mobile phones clean
Make sure that the devices you keep close to you or use most of the time are clean before use. As we tend to place mobile phones on any surface irrespective of their cleanliness, it is best to disinfect them before using them.
Now let’s know about a few home remedies you can try if you have a common cold or want to ease its symptoms:
Honey and Vitamin C
Honey is known to treat a sore throat or cough. Just stir some honey into a glass of warm water and add some lemon juice that will provide extra flavour with the advantage of Vitamin C.
Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can be useful to fight against the common cold. Eat raw garlic or add to other dishes to receive the benefits.
Salt water Gargle
Another age-old method to ease a sore throat is by gargling with salt water. Another way is gargling with warm water with added ingredients like a half teaspoon of lemon juice and honey.
The views and opinions expressed, and assumptions & analysis presented in this content piece are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer or company. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
