It’s that time of year again where it seems like everywhere you look people are sick. Whether that’s from a cold, flu or stomach bug, as the months get colder people are more susceptible to catching something. This is not ideal especially when the end of the year is normally a busy time, getting sick can prevent you from your chores, working and taking part in any plans you may have. Not to mention any complications you could experience from more severe illnesses like Covid, if your immune system is compromised or if you’re vulnerable. It goes without saying that you probably don’t want to become sick. Therefore, as winter is approaching it’s important to look at how to prevent catching a cold so your health can remain intact and you don’t experience any disruptions to your plans. Keep reading as we dive into how to stop getting sick so you don’t need to worry this winter.
How Do You Catch A Cold
Before we look at prevention methods, first we should look at how do you catch a cold? Colds are a virus that is highly contagious, and is typically contracted through exposure. The common cold is easily spread to other people by the germs released through talking, coughing and sneezing. This virus can also survive on various surfaces such as door handles, countertops and shared objects making indirect transmission possible when you come into contact with these contaminated surfaces. Direct physical contact with an infected person can even be a risk, such as shaking hands or hugging which can transfer the virus. If you regularly take public transport you also have the potential of catching a cold as these spaces are usually crowded with people and there are numerous touch points. Adults typically experience a cold 2-4 times a year, whereas children will catch around 6-10 colds per year. Avoiding the virus sounds impossible, however you may be pleased to hear that even when the virus enters your body it’s possible to not become sick. Now that we’ve answered how do you catch a cold, let’s take a look at how to stop getting sick.
Cold Symptoms
If you’ve recently come into contact a sick person or you’re wondering whether you’ve got this virus, here are some of the common cold symptoms to watch out for:
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Runny nose
- Blocked nose
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- A high temperature
- Loss of taste and smell
- Feeling of pressure in your head and sinuses
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms it’s important that you do your best to not spread the virus. Although you can’t guarantee you don’t spread the virus, having good hygiene by regularly washing or sanitising your hands especially after sneezing or coughing, and keeping your distance from healthy people can help stop the spread of a cold.
How To Prevent Catching A Cold
As getting sick is unpleasant, when the winter months roll around you may have asked how to prevent catching a cold? While not a 100% guarantee that you won’t ever catch a cold by following these steps, it can improve your health and as a result your chances of not becoming ill when coming into contact with the virus, or even the severity of the cold. Here are the steps on how to prevent catching a cold:
- Supplements For Immune System
Taking supplements can help you avoid becoming sick. Especially taking immune boosting supplements. Since your immune system works to fight off harmful pathogens that enter your body to maintain your overall health, it’s important that you keep this working properly in order to prevent yourself from catching a cold. There are several factors that can contribute to a weakened immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to viruses. From excessive stress, inadequate sleep to lack of exercise can all compromise the immune system’s ability to function properly. One great way to help improve this is by taking immune boosting supplements.
Neprinol AFD
Neprinol AFD, sold on Advanced Supplements, should be taken when trying to avoid catching a cold, as it’s more essential than a daily vitamin. This enzyme supplement is designed to support the body’s natural healing process and boost immunity. By taking Neprinol AFD you can enhance your immune system which will help your body fight off viruses and further protect you from catching a cold. This is just one of the benefits of this powerful enzyme, shop now to enhance your immune system today!
Syntol AMD
Taking Syntol AMD is a great way to boost your immune system and further help you avoid becoming ill. This combined probiotic and prebiotic can help strengthen a weakened immune system and nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut. By balancing the bacteria in your gut, this can support the immune system and help it fight off any harmful pathogens that enter your body. Find Syntol AMD on Advanced Supplements today!
- Keep active
Regularly exercising is a great way to prevent getting a cold. Exercise has a positive impact on the immune system enhancing its overall function and efficiency. When you exercise this increases your blood circulation which allows immune cells to travel more efficiently throughout the body. This enables immune cells to detect and fight infections more effectively.
- Wash your hands
Regularly washing your hands can prevent you from catching a cold by killing the germs associated with the virus before you consume them. As the virus can land on various surfaces and touchpoints that you will come across day to day, making sure that you regularly wash your hands or sanitise them can prevent you from consuming the virus, therefore stopping you from getting a cold.
- Sanitise surfaces
Making sure that you keep all the surfaces in your home clean and free from germs, by disinfecting them can prevent you from becoming ill. Germs can remain on surfaces for 48 hours so by wiping them down with disinfectant can prevent the virus from entering your body.
- Disinfect everything
Disinfecting everyday items shouldn’t be overlooked. Did you know that your phone carries ten times more bacteria than a toilet seat? Making sure to wipe your devices down such as your phone, TV remote and laptop will kill any germs they carry since you touch them everyday, and help you avoid catching a cold.
- Use a humidifier
During the winter months the air can become excessively dry especially when using indoor heating, this causes the mucus membranes in the respiratory tract to become parched and less effective as a defence mechanism against germs that enter our body. Dry air can also cause irritation in the nasal passages, these effects can make you more susceptible to viral infections. By using a humidifier you can introduce moisture to the air, helping to keep the respiratory tract hydrated and protecting you from viruses.
- Avoid touching your face
Since viruses are transmitted through touch, it’s important to avoid touching your face, particularly your nose, mouth and eyes. If you have germs on your hands, touching these areas on your face allows the virus to enter your body, potentially making you ill.
- Don’t share food
Sharing food or drinking out of the same glass as someone with a cold is a sure way to make you sick too. If you’re trying to avoid becoming ill then not consuming food that’s been contaminated can help stop the virus entering your body.
- Sneeze and cough into your elbow
Since germs can spread through coughing and sneezing, you will want to avoid doing this into your hands unless you can instantly wash or sanitise them. If you think about the amount of things you touch everyday, your virus could easily spread if there are germs on your hands. One way to remedy this is to cough or sneeze into your elbow to prevent the germs spreading to common touch points that could infect other people.
- Avoid people who are sick
One of the most obvious solutions is to avoid contact with those who are sick. This is the easiest way to become ill yourself if you are in close proximity to someone with a virus. Keeping your distance and avoiding human contact with them while they’re infected can save yourself the repercussions of becoming sick.
- Wear a face mask
Although masks aren’t mandatory anymore since the pandemic, they are still an effective tool to use if you are trying to avoid becoming ill. If you know you’re going to be around those who are sick or you’re using public transport where social distancing can’t be avoided, then wearing a mask can prevent you from breathing in the virus, stopping it from entering your body.
- Get the flu vaccine
If you’re vulnerable or you are concerned about catching something this winter, then staying on the safe side and getting the flu vaccine can prevent you from becoming ill. Although the vaccine won’t protect you from the common cold, it can stop you from or ease the symptoms of flu.
- Change your diet
Eating foods rich in immune boosting vitamins can help you avoid catching a cold. Your immune system fights off any virus that’s entered your body, and when you have a weakened immune system this response isn’t as effective resulting in you becoming sick more frequently. Boosting your immune system through your diet can help your body fight off the virus that’s entered your body, keeping you healthy.
- Avoid stress
Stress is detrimental to your immune system, compromising its ability to fight off infections effectively. When the body is under stress, it produces higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can suppress the immune response. This makes your body more susceptible to various pathogens including the common cold. Avoiding stress where you can and adopting mindfulness techniques to help manage this can help keep your immune system working effectively.
How To Prevent A Cold When You Feel It Coming
Although there is no cure for a common cold, there are steps you can take when you feel a cold coming on that can halt the cold in its tracks before it takes over your body, or just to ease your symptoms. Taking immediate preventive measures can help to minimise its impact and potentially shorten its duration. If you’re wondering how to prevent a cold when you feel it coming, here are some steps to consider:
- Stay well rested
Getting plenty of sleep is crucial when you feel a cold coming on, as it plays a significant role in supporting your body’s immune system and its ability to fight off infections. This is because, during sleep the body produces and releases proteins called cytokines, which are essential for regulating the immune response. This helps your body fight off the virus that’s entered your body, shortening the duration of your cold.
- Drink plenty of liquids
Staying hydrated is important when you feel a cold coming on. Adequate hydration supports the immune system function which helps to combat the cold virus. Not only that, but drinking plenty of fluids can alleviate certain symptoms associated with the common cold. When you’re properly hydrated, your mucus membranes remain moist, which helps prevent the mucus from becoming too thick and difficult to expel. This helps to ease symptoms such as a sore throat and nasal congestion.
- Consume Vitamins
Consuming vitamins when you feel a cold coming on can help strengthen your immune system and potentially reduce the severity or duration of your cold. Vitamin D is essential for a healthy immune system, as it plays a crucial role in activating immune defences against respiratory infections. Taking Vitamin D supplements is essential especially in winter where sunlight exposure is limited, in order to ensure you are maintaining healthy levels to help reduce the risk of getting the common cold. Vitamin C on the other hand is known for its immune boosting properties. Either consuming Vitamin C rich foods or supplements can help the duration of cold symptoms including, a runny nose and sore throat. Another supplement that you should take if you’re wondering how to prevent catching a cold is zinc. It plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes, which act as physical barriers against pathogens, helping you avoid becoming ill.
What To Do If You Get A Cold
If you find yourself suffering from a cold, unfortunately the only thing you can do is to wait it out. It’s important to rule out any other viruses like Covid so you know the measures to take in not spreading your illness. However, there is no cure for the common cold so your options are to help to relieve some of your symptoms to make you feel as comfortable as possible while you wait for it to pass. You can still implement the steps above to help speed up the process including resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking supplements for immune systems. Shop now at Advanced Supplements to help prevent a cold and improve your immune system today!
