PREVENTION

Although there is no vaccination for colds, there are things you can do to try to avoid a cold.

• Eat Right - Practice a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet of nutritious foods, including fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep and regular exercise. All these things help the immune system fight off germs that can make you sick.
• Consume Alcohol in Moderation - Too much alcohol triggers the depletion of important essential elements like zinc, vitamin B, magnesium, calcium, phosphate and vitamin C, which in turn weakens your immune system.
• Keep Your Nasal Mucosa Moist - Do this by moistening the air with a humidifier and consuming a lot of liquid.

• Wash Your Hands - Both colds and flu can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing and touching surfaces such as doorknobs, so try to wash your hands often. The Center for Disease Control recommends scrubbing your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 15 seconds. It's also smart to try to limit your exposure to people who are sick with colds or the flu.
• Use Disinfectant - It is important to keep surfaces clean with a disinfectant during cold season. Keep in mind that too much use of disinfectants can trigger allergies.
• Don't Smoke - Apart from lowering your body's immune defense, smoking makes it harder for the body to keep bacteria and debris out of the lungs.