Things You Can Do at Home To Prevent the Cold

Now that you’re in the midst of cold and flu season, it’s more important than ever to take proactive measures against getting these viruses. Since there are no medications to treat the illnesses themselves, you can only rely on cold and over the counter flu medicine to limit the severity of the symptoms.

Whether you have a busy work schedule ahead or an upcoming trip, you don’t want to be stuck dealing with these seasonal illnesses. To avoid getting them in the first place, apply the following steps:

• Wash your hands: Even if you’re at home, you should wash your hands after you or someone else sneezes or coughs, and avoid touching your face or rubbing your eyes until you do. For best results, apply soap and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you want added protection, carry a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer with you. 
• Disinfect surfaces: Keep antibacterial cleaner on hand to wipe down high-traffic areas, such as doorknobs and countertops. The common cold virus can live on indoor surfaces for nearly a week. Luckily, its ability to cause infection only lasts 24 hours, so scrub that chance away as soon as you can.
• Exercise: Working out regularly improves the immune system by balancing stress hormones. Additionally, taking deep breaths during exercise flushes out the lungs, making it less likely that you’ll get respiratory infections.
• Take supplements: Stock up on vitamins B6, C, D and E since they are known to boost the immune system. Invest in zinc and other cold and flu prevention supplements to give you the extra help you need to stay healthy.

Getting sick and recovering from an illness may take a longer time than you’d like. However, if you become ill after taking precautions, your built-up immune system should be able to fight off the ailment without issue.

Get Lots of Rest

Make sure you’re getting the seven to nine hours of sleep adults need to function optimally. A lack of rest negatively affects your mental and physical health, so it should come as no surprise that it also impacts your ability to ward off illnesses.

Getting into a better sleep routine can improve your experience. These habits should include going to bed and getting up at the same times daily, ensuring the bedroom is at a comfortable temperature and putting away electronics.

Get Fresh Air

It seems sensical that staying indoors will keep you from getting sick. However, this theory is incorrect. Staying inside near other people puts you in danger of coming in contact with their germs. Also, since the air is dry, it pulls moisture from your nasal passages, making it easier for viruses to attack.

Taking half an hour to get some fresh air will give you a much-needed health boost. The sunlight provides vitamin D and energizes infection-fighting T-cells, which are part of the immune system.

Whether you’re looking for medicine to prevent illness or homeopathic cold remedies because you’re already sick, there are countless options to help. Find a trustworthy company whose products may be able to give you some relief.