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How to protect yourself and others from common cold?
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Healthy Living

How to protect yourself and others from common cold?

Sam  Views: 3351  3 min read

Common cold is viral infection of upper respiratory tract. It is the main reason that children miss their school and adult miss their work. Adults have an average of 2 to 3 colds in a year while children have even more. Most of the people recover in about 7 to 10 days.

Sore throat and runny nose are the initial signs of cold followed by coughing and sneezing. Other symptoms includes congestion, body aches, mild headache, low grade-grade fever, malaise. The discharge from the nose may become thicker and yellow or green in color as the cold runs its course.

Rhinoviruses are the most common causative organism. However, many types of viruses can also cause a common cold. The virus spread thorough droplets in the air when someone suffering from cold coughs, sneezes or talks. Furthermore, it also spreads through hand to hand contact with someone with cold or by sharing contaminated utensils, towels, or telephones. If someone touches their mouth, nose or eyes after such exposure, they are prone to get cold.

It is impossible to completely prevent the spread of colds. There is no vaccine for the common cold. However, there are steps that are to be followed to reduce your and your family’s chances of becoming infected.

How to protect yourself?

1.  Handwashing

Wash hands with soap and water thoroughly and teach children the importance of handwashing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer. Regular hand washing can help protect you from getting sick.

2. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands because viruses that cause colds can enter your body through these routes.

3.  Maintain distance from people who are sick

Viruses can be spread through close contact with others who are sick.

4. Take care of yourself

Eating well, regular exercise, getting enough sleep and managing stress might help you keep yourself away from colds.

5. Avoid smoking

Smoking can irritate the airways and increases the susceptibility to colds and other infections. Passive smoking can also make you more vulnerable to colds.

How to protect others when you have a cold?

1. Stay at home while you are sick.

2. Avoid close contact with others.

3. Cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose it in proper place right away. You can also cough or sneeze into the upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose.

4. Proper handwashing after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

5. Door handles, drawer pulls, keyboards, telephones, remote controls, coutertops and sinks can harbor viruses for hours after their use. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.

6. Do not share drinking glasses or other utensils with others. Use own glass or disposable cups.



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About the Author
Sam
Sam
Creative, Passionate and Unique Content Writer.

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