Preventing the Common Cold and Practicing Good Health Habits
Preventing the common cold is a matter of practicing good health habits and maintaining a healthy immune system. What is often referred to as the common cold virus is actually a number of different viruses that can cause symptoms when they infect the lining of the nose. So, habits that protect the body from all forms of viruses and bacterial infections can help protect you from a common cold virus.
In the United States the season in which the most cases of common cold are reported runs from early fall to late spring, but the viruses that can cause a cold are present throughout the year. They appear to be more active when humidity is lower, which may explain why there are more colds during "cold" weather. Another factor that may cause an increase in colds during the winter months is that many people are indoors, where the virus can be spread more easily. But, anyone can contract a common cold virus any time of the year.
Good health habits, which can be practiced year round for preventing the common cold and other communicable diseases, include washing the hands before touching the face. Rhino virus, the common cold virus that scientists know the most about, can live up to three hours on the skin and on surfaces, such as sinks, stair rails and telephones. Whenever you are in a public place, you run the risk of touching something that someone with a common cold virus has touched.
You may be able to reduce your risk of contracting a virus if you avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth when you are in a public place, and until you can wash your hands. Washing with soap and water kills the rhino virus. If soap and water is unavailable, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an alcohol based hand washing product. Remember that anti-bacterial products may only kill bacteria and not viruses.
Some people are more likely to be exposed to a common cold virus, than others and these groups should be particularly concerned about preventing the common cold. While the common cold is not a serious medical condition, it can lead to bacterial infection of the ears, sinuses or throat. Children in daycare or school environments are exposed to more viruses and can have as many as 12 cold per year, according to information provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Women between the ages of 20 and 30 have more colds than men, presumably because of their close contact with children, but there is no indication that men have more resistance to a common cold virus than women. So, men who are in close contact with their school age children should be just as concerned about preventing the common cold as women. Not only to protect themselves, but to avoid spreading the infection to other family members and the general public. If you do have a cold, you should avoid direct contact with other people and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Those who work in hospitals or doctor's offices are at higher risk for contracting a cold virus, for obvious reasons. Even though a doctor's visit is not necessary for treating a common cold, it is still one of the leading causes of doctor visits in the United States and results in 22 million lost school days per year, according to the CDC. Estimates concerning lost days of work vary.
The number of colds per year experienced by adults varies widely, possibly because of attention paid to good health habits and other efforts for preventing the common cold. Stress, inadequate sleep and proper nutrition are all factors that could account for the difference in the number of colds experienced by individuals. Additionally, medical conditions and medications that a person is taking can affect proper immune system function. For example, research indicates that asthmatics, one group which is particularly susceptible to a common cold virus, produce a lower than normal amount of anti-viral proteins. Anti-viral proteins are produced by cells of the immune system.
Research is still being conducted into the possibility of developing a vaccine for preventing the common cold, but it is doubtful that any vaccine could be effective against the over 200 viruses that can cause common cold symptoms. Thus, dietary supplements that support healthy immune system function may be your best insurance for preventing the common cold and complications that can arise from this viral infection.
Article Source: Health Guidance
