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Stopping a cold in its tracks
Getting sick is never fun, but with a few precautions and lifestyle changes, you can help keep yourself healthy and lessen the likelihood of developing a cold. Here are some tips to help you keep colds at bay:
- Practice good hand hygiene. Washing your hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and warm water can help prevent the spread of germs that cause colds.
- Encourage your family to practice good hand hygiene as well.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- Eat foods that are high in Vitamin C and proteins to help bolster your immune system.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Try to reduce your stress levels.
- If you feel like you are developing the beginnings of a cold, increase your vitamin C and zinc intake.
- When you feel a cold coming on, make sure to rest and relax as much as possible.
- Consult with your healthcare provider about taking medication specifically designed to treat the cold virus.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help to reduce your chances of catching a cold and, if you do get a cold, can take steps to help reduce the severity and duration of the illness.
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How to Stop a Cold When You Feel It Coming On
The common cold is a contagious virus that can make you feel miserable and can last for weeks. If you’re feeling symptoms of the common cold coming on, there are a few steps you can take to help reduce your symptoms and get better quickly.
Steps
- Start taking a cold or flu medication as soon as you start feeling symptoms.
- Rest and get plenty of sleep. If you can, make sure you take some time off from work or school to help your body fight the virus.
- Stay hydrated and drink lots of fluids. This helps to thin out the mucus and clear your nasal passages.
- Try using a humidifier. This helps to keep the air moist which can help with congestion.
- Gargle with warm salt water several times a day. This can help reduce throat pain and inflammation.
- Steam your sinuses. Take hot showers and/or breathe in steam from a pot or bowl of water to help thin the mucus.
- If you can, keep your environment as clean as possible and wash your hands often. This helps prevent the spread of the virus.
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