Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

5 tips how not to get a cold

Contrary to what your mom may have told you, you won’t catch a cold if you don’t wear a jersey, and you won’t get sick if you go to bed with wet hair. The common cold is actually caused by over 200 different types of viruses. Because these viruses are so varied and are continually changing, prevention is better than cure! Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Wash your hands

Washing your hands is the most effective way of keeping cold germs away. Germs can live for up to 3 hours outside of your body and take every opportunity they can to move from surfaces to your hands. The strategy is simple : countertop > hands > mouth > blood, in under 180 minutes.

Get the most out of your hand-washing by following these principles:

  • Wash for at least 20 seconds: the same time as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song.
  • Always use soap.
  • Remember to wash the tops of your hands, as well as your fingers and nails.
  • Wash your hands regularly throughout the day, especially if there is anyone who is sick in your household or office.
  1. Sleep

Sleep gives your body the opportunity to rest, recover and recharge. Without sufficient sleep, your immune system’s strength starts to dwindle. Adults should aim to catch at least 7 to 9 hours of good quality sleep each night. Without this, your risk of catching the common cold increases up to 4 times!

  1. Choose quality nutrition

Your immune system is only as strong as the energy you give it, and immune system warriors need good, regular nourishment. Eating a well-balanced diet is your best bet at boosting your immune system.

Real, whole food gives your body all it needs in exactly the right amount (nature is pretty awesome like that). For example, a vitamin C supplement would give you a lot of vitamin C, but eating an orange would give you all that vitamin C, plus fibre, vitamin B, folate, potassium and calcium all in the right amounts for your body to absorb and use.

Focus on fresh, colourful fruits and vegetables and avoid processed foods. If you feel that you diet could be lacking any important vitamins or minerals, then investigate a supplement, but remember that more isn’t always better!

  1. Stop smoking

Smokers tend to get colds more often than non-smokers, plus their symptoms are worse and they last for longer. Why, you ask?

  • It disrupts the immune system.
  • It exposes you to toxic chemicals that can irritate your throat and lungs.

Second hand smoke can be just as bad, so even if you don’t smoke, try to keep your house, car and office a smoke free zone.

  1. Get outside

The germs that cause the common cold don’t suddenly appear at the first sign of winter. They are around for most of the year. One of the main reasons we get sick more often in winter is because we spend more time indoors, with others, being exposed to more germs.

Most germs enjoy warm, heated environments where they can jump from person to person at their leisure! So this year, embrace those frosty mornings and chilly afternoons and step outside… there are a lot less germs out there!