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 How does the cold germ spread? Basically, it spreads from person to person and generally happens when an infected person coughs or sneezes in the air or near your face. The germs enter your body through your eyes, nose or mouth. Even touching something, like say, a towel used by that person and then touching these parts of your body can cause the infection to spread to you. However, some basic precautions can help you to prevent such attacks.
Wash your hands as often as possible. This is especially effective if you use an anti bacterial soap that will kill any potential cold causing germs that you may have come in contact with.
Carry always an anti bacterial lotion. There are many such available in the market now and it will do you good to invest in buying one of these. Wherever you have no access to water or soap, a quick rub with this lotion sanitises your hands and gets rid of the germs. Use it especially when you have come in contact with an infected person.
Do you sleep soundly at night and for at least 8 hours a day? Proper sleep and good rest will make you more resistant to germs. A tired and fatigued person is always more susceptible to germs and prone to becoming a ready victim of the germs and viruses that abound in the air.
But what happens if, in spite of taking various precautions, you still catch a cold? There are a few steps you should take immediately to at least contain the severity of the attack.
Try eating spicy foods (not oily food though!). This is no problem in a country like ours where we thrive on and enjoy eating spicy stuff. So, what happens when you eat hot, spicy food? There is a natural expulsion of mucus as your nose starts running and you also cough out the accumulated phlegm. This is especially beneficial if you have various allergies and cannot take OTC medicines.
Your liquid intake should be twice as much as on normal days. Plenty of water, steaming hot soup, juice, and even a ginger ale will help to keep your body hydrated. Follow this especially if you have a fever, as you will tend to get dehydrated more due to heavy loss of fluids. So drink as much liquids as possible, but remember to avoid dairy drinks. These cause mucus accumulation in your throat, making it more difficult for you to swallow or even cough to expel the mucus.
Keep your room warm and dry. The air you breathe should be clean and slightly moist. Keep the windows open to let in fresh air. Do not use an air conditioner which only circulates the stale air. Use an inhaler to clear your nose occasionally. Steaming your face also helps in clearing the congestion.
Follow these simple remedies and tide over the virus and bacteria laden monsoon season! If you have similar suggestions to offer, do share them with us. We would love to publish them so that our many viewers can also benefit from them!
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