Colds-they’re something no one wants to deal with. Unfortunately, colds are just a part of life. Especially in the winter and spring.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), colds are the leading reason for absences when it comes to school and work. In fact, millions of people are infected with simple colds each year, with the average adult reporting two or three colds annually. And that rate is higher among children.
There are a number of initial precautions you can take to reduce the risk of colds. This all begins with washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds to kill viruses that hang out on the surface of the hands. (Gross, we know.) If there is no soap available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
In addition, make sure not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth before you wash your hands. This is how viruses can enter the body.
Further, try to avoid sick people. Even with a healthy immune system, you can still come down with a cold.
In the event that you do get sick, take the time to disinfect things you touch-like doorknobs and cabinet handles. This helps to reduce the chance that you will infect others.
And best of all, eat with cold prevention in mind. In truth, there are foods you can eat to help fight off the sniffles. Check out these six superfoods that can boost your immune system today.