Best Tips To Avoid Common Cold and Runny Nose

Common Cold Problem

If you are infected with common cold, you will feel decline in your activity and productivity. Cold is a common problem during the winter season. It spread fast among people. The common cold is an acute, self-limiting viral infection of the upper respiratory tract involving the nose, sinuses, pharynx and larynx. 

There are more than 200 different types of viruses that can cause the common cold. Viruses can survive for prolonged periods in the environment, in some cases more than 18 hours.

Adults can face cold problem 1 to 3 times in a year but children can affected more than that because their immune system is not fully developed yet. So, they need extra care and hygiene.

SIGNS

When germs that cause colds first infect the nose and sinuses (air-filled pockets in the face), the nose makes clear mucus. This helps wash the germs from the nose and sinuses. After two or three days, mucus may change to a white, yellow, or green color. This is normal and does not mean you or your child needs antibiotics. 

Other signs and symptoms of the common cold can include:

• Sneezing.
• Stuffy nose.
• Sore throat.
• Coughing.
• Post-nasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat).
• Watery eyes.
• Mild headache.
• Mild body aches.

These symptoms usually peak within 2-3 days but can last for up to 10-14 days.

CAUSES

More than 200 viruses can cause the common cold, and infections can spread from person to person through the air and close personal contact. Antibiotics do not work against these viruses and do not help you feel better if you have a cold. Rhinovirus is the most common type of virus that causes colds.

Cold spread fast. If you breathe in a environment where infected person is present, you can caught by the virus. People can also catch colds by touching an infectious person’s hand and then touching their own eyes, nose or mouth.

Children are more prone to get infected by the cold causing viruses. The most common place to get infected is their school. Weak immune system and presence of many children make an easy way for the viruses. 

PREVENTION

Good hygiene practices are the best way to prevent common cold problem. But there are many things that can increase your risk for the common cold.

• Exposure with someone with the common cold.

• Children have weak immune system.

• A weakened immune system or taking drugs that weaken the immune system.

• Cold happens mostly in the winter season.

To prevent cold infection you can do some practices.

• Maintain good hygiene practices.

• Avoid close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Throw tissues in the bin after you use them.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Wash your hands before preparing food.

• Try to avoid close contact with people who have colds.

• If you have a cold, stay home from work or school and limit contact with other people to keep from infecting them.

• Wash your child’s toys frequently to remove traces of the any viruses.

• Keep your child home in the first few days that they develop a cold to stop them infecting others.

Cold is very common, specially among children therefore they need extra care. Also, it is easy to avoid, you just need to maintain good hygiene and cleaning. You should stay away from the crowd if not necessary. Wash your hands properly and maintain proper cleaning while eating.