‘Tis the season for common colds and more. If everyone around you is sick, how can you possibly remain healthy? Rhinoviruses are the most common cause of the common cold in the United States. The virus is transmitted through secretions (a sneeze or cough). If you come inot contact with these germs and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, you have likely infected yourself. To stay healthy during a cold outbreak you must start strong and then maintain healthy habits.
Establish a healthy diet with scheduled eating patterns, exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and a strong cardiovascular system and reward your body with deep uninterrupted sleep. Your body will tell you when it is out of balance and you are at risk for contracting illnesses. Headaches, fatigue, and light-headedness can be signals that you are out of sync and need to be extra vigilant in your guard against the latest virus.
The most important thing is that you diligently wash your hands after you have been in public places. Schools, grocery stores and shopping centers are infested with cold and flu viruses. Wash your hand vigorously for at least 20 seconds using soap and water. If someone who has been sick or exposed to locations where illnesses are common, it is worth your while to spend some time wiping surfaces that would likely host the virus. Use antibacterial wipes or a paper towel dampened with hydrogen peroxide and wipe door knobs, refrigerator handles, cupboard knobs, counter and table tops, bathroom fixtures, and remote control devices. If sick children visited your home, scoop up all toys that were played with and give them a soap and water bath. Wash all hand towels, blankets and throw pillows, and even stuffed animals that may have been sneezed on our cuddled.
Vitamin C has been found to be most effective as a regular diet supplementation. A great deal of scientific research has been conducted on the use of vitamin C as a rescue agent from the common cold. While some studies have reported insignificant results a review of literature does yield to relief using an 8 g therapeutic dose at the onset of symptoms.
Above all, do not neglect sleep. A well-rested body produces both physical and mental strength benefits. Our bodies were not designed to be sustained for endless hours on surges of caffeine. In order to work at its optimal level, our bodies need down time to focus on this purpose. If we are stimulated in other ways, our bodies are tasked to perform other functions to keeping our bodies running. We simply cannot fight all battles simultaneously.
Plenty of rest and staying hydrated is imperative to allow your body to get and stay healthy. Water actually flushes out the body from harmful toxins. It keeps your organs in great shape, carries nutrients to your cells, and keeps your ears, nose, and throat in working order. Dehydration often causes more than just thirst; it drains your energy and causes your body to lose its natural ability to fight infection. It is advised that women drink at least 9 cups of water per day while men should drink 13 or more.
The last step is to get prepared in the event that you do get hit by the cold or flu. Strategically place tissues boxes in your home and office. Stock your refrigerator with easy-to-grab bottled water. Add vitamin C to your daily regimen, and get plenty of sleep.
