diyhealth.com

Cold and Flu Prevention

Cold and Flu: Prevention


Top Prevention

1. Warm liquids

One important thing observable in cases of common cold and flu is that they typically include fever symptoms. So, you can prevent cold and flu by drinking warm teas and thin soups as it is done at the onset of a fever. The advantage of these drinks is that they help in nourishing the body, and at the same time are low in sugars and additives which impede body’s ability to fight the symptoms.

2. Limit contact with sick people

The next thing that you can do in order to protect yourself from cold and flu is avoiding contact with sick people or limiting the contact with them. However, if the situation is unavoidable, such as when you are caring for a sick family member, then you must take measures to prevent an infection. For instance, covering your mouth and nose with a surgical mask is quite effective in such situations.

3. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is very effective in preventing the onset of cold and flu in individuals. Simply lie on your side and then put few drops of it into your ears. If your aim is good, then you can do it with the help of bottle cap, otherwise, if your aim is doubtful, then you can even try using an dropper. Keep a tissue with you in order to wipe any hydrogen peroxide that spills out of the ear. You will feel pop and bubble in your ears, it is just that the bacteria and germs in your ear canal are getting killed by hydrogen peroxide, so you need not to be concerned. Also, it will not hurt you. It may tickle if it is cold, you may even feel dizzy while you are lying there. But all these are normal and will clear up after your treatment. Leave it in there for 5 minutes and then wipe it out using a tissue.

4. Hygiene

Wash your hands often with antibacterial soap in order to kill bacteria and germs. This measure is especially important because cold viruses are often transmitted by touching contaminated objects such as doorknobs and by shaking hands with an infected person. Always remember to wash your hands upon entering your home and before eating. Also, try to keep your hands away from touching the mouse and nose one after the other. The virus on the mouse may travel to the respiratory tract. Bring along a bottle of hand sanitizer in case if you are unable to wash your hands.

5. Garlic and ginger

Try to increase the intake of food items which are high in antioxidants. For instance, ginger contains powerful antioxidant properties and also possess healing properties that aid in the clearing of passageways and soothing sore throats. It is best consumed in the form of tea. You can create a healthy tea full of antioxidants by steeping grated fresh ginger roots in boiling water for five minutes. Garlic, also a natural antioxidant, contains an agent known as allin which is a powerful, natural decongestant. Allin aids in the removal of infected mucus associated with flu and cold.

6. Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps you in fighting infections as it boosts the immune system. You can take vitamin C either in the form of vitamin supplements or citrus fruits. Take a multivitamin or vitamin C capsule in order to prevent cold and flu. Citrus fruits are also very high in vitamin C and their intake is the best natural way to provide the body with healthy sugars.

7. Foods to avoid

Diet plays an important role in the prevention of cold and flu. It is not only that you just need to focus on those things which can boost your immune system or things which provide you with antioxidants. You also have to avoid certain food items which increase your likelihood of getting cold and flu symptoms. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages should be avoided as they dehydrate the body of its much needed fluids. You must also avoid high-sugar foods such as candy, ice cream and other sweets along with junk foods such as high fat chips and snacks.

Today's Top Articles:

Scroll to Top