You don't enjoy the sneezing, runny nose, fever, or joint pain associated with colds and flu. Who does? To keep yourself on the winning side in the battle against viruses, focus on prevention:
- Wash your hands well and often. Around the office or home, cold viruses can be picked up by shaking hands or touching such common objects as doorknobs, handrails, remote controls, telephone receivers, writing implements, or ATM machines.
- Keep from rubbing your eyes or nose as viruses are easily transmitted through mucous membranes.
- Avoid sharing food or "community" items.
- Don't use the same toothpaste — or even the same hand towel as someone else.
- Avoid someone with a cold, especially in the first three days.
- Spray surfaces, such as faucet handles, handrails, or kitchen counter tops, with a virus-killing disinfectant.
- Learn and practice proper stress management.
- Tobacco use, excessive alcohol, or sugar consumption can weaken your immune system.
- Allergies can increase your susceptibility to cold and flu viruses.
- Eat fresh garlic. Garlic has natural anti-viral properties.
- Get plenty of quality sleep.
- Enjoy time with friends. Laugh. Listen to music. All these things decrease stress hormones and activate and increase your immune cells.
With these preventive measures you’ll rarely — if ever — need a pound of cures. |
