September brings a change in our routines: we return to work, children (and their parents) go back to school and little by little we start spending more and more time in enclosed spaces. Add the many temperature changes during the day and… an old acquaintance returns: the common cold.
The common cold is a viral infection that usually goes away on its own in about 7–10 days. The most common symptoms are congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough and some malaise. It is usually not dangerous, but it is very annoying. Can we do anything to reduce the chances of catching one? Yes, and with simple measures.
Hygiene as the first line of defense
Many infections occur when we touch contaminated surfaces and then bring our hands to our nose, eyes or mouth. Cold viruses can remain on some surfaces for hours.
Washing your hands is always the most effective action. Use water and soap for at least 20 seconds, covering the whole hand including knuckles and between the fingers. Do this especially after touching doorknobs, money or your phone. If you are away from home, a Cleansing Gel is especially useful.
Also, ventilate the house, office, classroom… well for several minutes a day; this will help renew the air in the environment and reduce the amount of virus.
Strengthen your defenses
Our immune system needs a variety of nutrients to function properly. Include foods rich in vitamin C in your diet such as orange, kiwi, pepper and broccoli. Add sources of zinc such as legumes, nuts and seeds. Also, lean proteins and healthy fats. With the right tools the body can better prevent a cold or, if we catch one, shorten its duration.
Some nutritional products especially useful that we have at Exialoe to prevent or relieve the symptoms of a cold are:
Vitamin C: Provides a very high intake of vitamin C and improved absorption and retention due to being rich in bioflavonoids.
Inmuno-Aloe 5: Has an excellent effect in strengthening defenses and preventing and treating infections, especially of the upper respiratory tract.
Two more tips:
- Drink enough water throughout the day; WHO recommends taking 35 ml per kilogram of body weight. Hydration keeps mucous membranes moist and helps the body eliminate toxins.
- Sleep between 7–9 hours a day (according to your needs). Make those hours quality ones; doing some exercise during the day and having a light dinner help us rest better at night. Getting enough rest at night helps regulate the immune system.
And if a cold finally appears…
We will not always be able to avoid it. There are hundreds of viruses capable of producing cold symptoms and we can become reinfected throughout our lives.
When it appears, the most important thing is to rest, maintain good hydration and relieve the symptoms. A nasal wash with saline solution can help reduce congestion and remove excess mucus.
A very important detail we must remember: a cold does not need antibiotics. Antibiotics act against bacteria, not against the viruses that cause the common cold.
Most colds improve in a few days. But if difficulty breathing appears, high fever that persists or returns, severe pain or symptoms do not improve after 10–14 days, it is advisable to consult a professional.
Let’s be prepared
Clean hands, a well-ventilated home, a varied diet and good rest are small and simple habits, but that is their advantage: they are easy to maintain and can help us take care of our health throughout the season.
