Fighting the Common Cold


You and the members of your family will probably have at least one cold each this winter. Since there is no cure, we have no choice but to let the illness run its course and do our best to make ourselves more comfortable. We can also do our best to fight the cold before it starts. Offered below are some tips for helping to fight a cold.
  • Eat Right: Eating fruits and vegetables really does help you to maintain good health. Foods containing beta carotene such as spinach, carrots and sweet potatoes help to increase your white blood cells, which will assist in fighting off illness and infection. Garlic and onions help to stimulate the immune system, while protein helps to produce virus fighting antibodies. Those who follow a nutritious diet have the ability to fight off a cold better than those who don't take much notice as to the types of food they put into their bodies.


  • Wash Hands Regularly – Washing hands often throughout the day with an antibacterial soap will help to ward off germs that can lead to a cold. If you work in a busy office where phones, keyboards, pens and other items are shared, you may want to take a break every few hours to thoroughly wash your hands. You don't have to be compulsive about it, but it doesn't hurt to give a good rinse several times a day.


  • Avoid Touching your Face: It may sound silly, but bacteria are ingested through the nose and mouth. Try not to touch your face unless absolutely necessary.


  • Use Tissues to Blow your Nose: While a handkerchief may be more environmentally friendly, it also harbors germs. If used more than once or twice, these germs will go back into your nose. Using a disposable tissue helps to prevent germs from going back in to your body.


  • Keep Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids will keep you from feeling many of the aches and pains we associate with having a cold. Fruit juices rich in vitamin C will help to loosen phlegm and mucus.


  • Get Adequate Rest: Your body needs rest to be able to battle illness. If it's tired, it won't be able to productively fend off a cold. A well rested body helps to boost the immunity and keep a cold at bay.


  • Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco: Both will lower your resistance and make you more susceptible to a cold. In addition alcohol, tobacco and caffeine will cause dehydration.


  • Be Aware of Your Body's Signals: If you are tired, rest. If you don't feel well, stay home from work. Your body is sending you these messages for a reason. Heed the warnings and take care of yourself.

There's no cure for the common cold. With a few preventative measures, however, a cold can be avoided.

By Deborah Ng