by Erik Van Tongerloo

Created on: January 08, 2007   Last Updated: April 10, 2012

Most everyone gets a cold from time to time and it is not always possible to avoid this health problem. It is a virus spread in the air and transmitted through contact with other people who are already infected by this virus. There are more than 200 different types of viruses which can cause a cold and people experience several discomforts. Some examples are coughing, sneezing, headache, a decreased appetite and even fever.

The symptoms of a cold typically starts between 1 to 5 days after you are infected by this virus. Irritation in the nose and a scratchy feeling in your throat are often the first signs of getting a cold. It is a virus and that is also the reason why antibiotics do not help to cure this illness.

Everyone can get a cold, there are several precautions you can take to avoid this illness:

*Strengthen your immune system

People with a weak immune system have more of a chance to get a cold. People are infected through contact by other people but if their immune system is strong enough they can fight against these viruses and bacteria. A well balanced diet is important and contains the necessary vitamins and food supplies you need, for example vegetables, fruits, a varied diet of fish, meats, honey, and probiotics (for example yoghurt, soy beverages,).

The intake of carbohydrates and saturated fats needs to be reduced and it is recommended to eat plenty of organic proteins and animal fats. Vitamin C is essential to prevent getting a cold and it is may be best to take some extra vitamin C during the winter months when people are more prone to get a cold. Natural vitamin C can also be found in organic berries, lemon, orange and it is a good idea to drink daily one cup of these beverages with the required doze of vitamin C.

*Drink plenty of water

Our body contains 70% of water and we need to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and to strengthen our immune system. Drinking water cleans our body and helps us to fight against viruses and bacteria and will also reduce fever and makes breathing easier. Drinking beverages with alcohol or caffeine need to be limited because it causes dehydration and if you do, you need to drink more water. This will help to limit the risks of getting a cold.

*Avoid contact with someone who has a cold

It is not always possible but you need to try to stay away of people who have a common cold. Take the necessary precautions and don't share things which these persons have used or even touched. Be careful with shaking hands

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