Even with all our modern technology, there is still no effective cure for the common cold, or flu.
As such, we should focus our efforts on prevention, rather than treatment.
Colds and flu can affect you for days, sometimes weeks, and really mike life miserable.
Avoiding this misery is actually relatively simple, and comes to down to basic health common sense.
Follow these 8 tips and you could drastically reduce the number of times you get a cold or the flu.
1.
Regularly wash your hands with hot water and anti bacterial soap.
Cold and flu viruses tend to be passed around by direct contact.
Washing your hands before mealtime, and more frequently when you are around sick people, will minimise your chances of getting infected.
2.
Use strong disinfectants on objects and areas that are frequently touched or handled.
In particular focus on door knobs, handles, telephones, and faucets.
Viruses can be spread from one person to another by touching the same surface or object.
3.
Turn your head away when you sneeze.
Most people think it is polite to simply cover their mouth with their hands.
Try to use a tissue to cover your mouth.
Using your hand simply spreads the virus on to your hand.
After sneezing you should throw the tissue away and wash your hands thoroughly.
This will kill the virus and stop it from spreading.
4.
Do not share cups or any item which touches the mouth.
This includes toothbrushes, and cutlery.
Saliva is a very efficient way to spread viruses, so not sharing these items with others limits your exposure.
5.
Get lots of fresh air into your home on a regular basis.
This is particularly important if it is cold and you are using central heating.
It tends to dry the air out and makes you more vulnerable to viruses.
Opening the window and letting in fresh air will help purge any airborne viruses.
6.
Make sure you are getting enough vitamin C.
It is proven that vitamin C is a virus killer, and is good for boosting the immune system.
Even if you already have a cold or flu, taking vitamin C can shorten its duration.
7.
Eating a balanced and healthy diet is a sure fire wire to prevent illnesses particularly colds and flu.
The right diet will fuel your immune system, and thus help fight off infections.
8.
Get plenty of sleep, at least 8 hours per day.
Not getting enough sleep leaves you run down and open to infections.
If you are regularly getting enough sleep, your immune system will be in good condition, making you far more resistant to cold and flu viruses.