Common colds, characterized by attacks of sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, blocked sinus cavities, an irritating cough, body pain and slight fever are one of the most common ailments. The main reasons for a common cold are exposure to extreme cold, or sudden fluctuations in the weather, an increase in the pollution in the immediate environment, exposure to the virus, or a weak immune system. Often a common cold is triggered by a reaction to the presence of certain allergens in the air, such as pollen and dust, or due to perfumes in products being used. In such a case you should try and identify the element that triggers the cold and remove it from your environment. This can be efficiently achieved in the case of products being used, but it is a little difficult to remove air-borne allergens in the surrounding environment, in which case you can resort to other techniques to prevent a common cold and increase your resistance.
The best way to prevent a common cold is to build your body's resistance by way of consuming healthy food enriched with the essential nutrients. It is also important to eat regular meals at the right time, so that your energy reserves get replenished and your body stays in fighting form. Vitamins are the key element in preventing most ailments, especially Vitamin C which is crucial for strengthening the immune system and increasing the body's resistance as well as its healing powers. Remember to consume the recommended amount of liquids, since the body needs to be well hydrated in order to fight any infection. The liquids also ensure that the toxins are regularly flushed out of your system, thus keeping your system strong and healthy. While it is important to get adequate rest so that your body has the time to rejuvenate itself, sleeping too much can actually counter the effect by increasing the lethargy. It is important to get 6 to 8 hours of sleep daily, but it is equally important to get adequate exercise for the body. This helps to improve the circulation of blood and strengthens the lungs, aiding you to breathe more efficiently thus providing more oxygen to your system and improving your resistance. If you have a cold already, you should not hesitate to blow your nose since this helps to get rid of any accumulated debris and mucus in the nasal cavity and speeds the healing process. You should, however, avoid touching your nose often and stick the high standards of hygiene, especially if there is someone with a cold in your immediate environment and you are susceptible to catching a cold. In addition to all this, you should take care to keep yourself warm and dry when you have a common cold.
answered by M W