Saying that getting the common cold is inevitable is not far from the truth. This illness is highly contagious and can infect anyone at any time of the year. It is most likely to stay in your system for seven to 10 days, though you can have a shorter or longer bout with it. If you get a cold, there are ways you can treat it and feel better. You can also do things such as wash your hands to reduce your risk of getting it.
What it feels like to get the common cold
In some ways, a cold is similar to having the flu or getting seasonal allergies. Many of the symptoms are much the same. Viruses cause colds, and this sickness spreads through close contact from person to person. This happens through touching or from droplets from coughing or sneezing.
The symptoms will differ in intensity and type from person to person. Most people will cough and sneeze while having a cold. Runny or stuffy noses are also common. A sore throat can be part of a cold, which can make it difficult to swallow. A person with a cold may also have body aches or chills. Fevers and headaches can also occur.
Handwashing: Why it works
Fortunately, there are effective ways to reduce a person’s risk of getting the common cold. Handwashing is a good defense against this illness. Doing so can kill the viruses that cause colds. Frequent handwashing is necessary for protection against this illness. People who wash their hands often pose less of a risk of spreading the cold virus to others.
Be sure to use soap
Washing with water only will not be enough to guard against the common cold. People must use soap along with warm water; otherwise, the virus will live on and continue to spread and infect the person. If soap is not available, there is an alternative. Using a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can also work well.
The time matters
A quick running of the hands under the tap will not be an effective way to wash. The individual must spend the right amount of time to successfully kill any cold-causing germs. The person should spend at least 20 seconds washing every time. Handwashing should occur several times throughout the day. This is especially important after using the restroom and before eating.
Other guidelines
When washing, the person should make sure to cover every portion of both hands. This includes the front and back as well as in between the fingers. Make sure to wash vigorously too. Rinsing well after scrubbing is also an important step in preventing the common cold.
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Do not neglect this critical preventive measure
If you want to avoid getting the common cold this year, make sure to wash your hands. Doing this frequently will increase your chances of staying healthy and avoiding a trip to urgent care. Follow these tips diligently. You and those around you will be grateful that you did. Then, you can worry less about dealing with a nagging cold or other sickness.
Request an appointment or call Wellness First Urgent Care at 469-513-2700 for an appointment in our Duncanville office.
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