Preventing illness is better than treating it. This is especially true when we are talking about influenza and colds. This article will discuss how to prevent the common cold and flu. It is important to know your enemy. We will be discussing what causes colds, how cold germs are spread from person to person, what you can do to prevent them, and how to avoid getting infected.
Viral Infection
A common cold can make you a host for the rhinovirus, a virus that causes the common cold. This virus lives in your nasal membranes. Your immune system releases what are known as inflammatory mediators when it is exposed to the virus. These mediators can cause excess mucus gland production, which can lead to blocked sinuses, runny nose, and the feeling that your head is a tonne.
This condition can cause you to sneeze quite often due to irritation to your nose’s sensitive tissues. Every sneeze releases thousands of tiny drops containing the virus. If they don’t find a host, germs will quickly die in cold environments, such as outdoors in winter. Warm environments, such as indoors, will prolong their lives, increasing the chance of others contracting the disease.
Virus Spread
This is the most common way colds and flu spread. Another way is for the cold victim to spread the virus by touching other people or objects (door handles, shaking hands etc.). How can you avoid getting the flu and colds from others around you? It is important to breathe properly. That means to breathe through your nose and not your mouth.
Any drops containing the flu virus or common cold will be caught inside your nose by the tiny hairs. They must be removed before they can enter the body. Breathe deeply. Use all of your lungs. Most people breathe shallowly unless they are exerting themselves. This makes us more vulnerable to viruses and germs.
Power Breathing
Good breathing, which I refer to as “power breathing”, allows us to exhale fully and overcome any foreign bodies that may be present. There are other ways to stay healthy than power breathing. Hygiene is essential. Always wash your hands after returning from shopping or other activities, such as washing your hands. This will eliminate any germs that may have been transferred from door handles or other items used frequently by the public.
It is also important to wash your hands after you use the bathroom or rest room. This will help to prevent food poisoning or other serious stomach upsets.
Remember
Wash your hands immediately after you shake hands. Avoid placing your hands near or in front of your mouth or eyes. You should not have any open wounds or cuts on your body, especially on your fingers. This is another entry point for viruses and microbes.