by R. L. Pound

Created on: January 29, 2009

As the winter approaches you will probably start to feel some of the symptoms of the common cold. We all experience them from time to time, some of us more often than others. Some of us may even be able to stop the symptoms in their tracks before being hit by a full blown cold.

When you get that "feeling", instead of waiting for the inevitable, there are a few things you can try to get yourself better before you have even had a chance to get properly ill.

1. The best way of avoiding a cold is constant prevention. Try washing your hands regularly as a way of avoiding those cold germs that are present anywhere we go. Washing your hands is especially important before eating. You should also try to avoid touching your face, mouth and eyes before making sure your hands are washed and clean.

2. A healthy diet can prevent many illnesses, including the common cold. Keeping your meals balanced and getting plenty of vitamins (from at least 5 portions of fruit and veg a day) should help.

It is also claimed that garlic contains many properties that can help prevent illness such as the common cold, as well as large amounts of Vitamin C to help us recover once we do have it. However, even the healthiest among us will find themselves ill from time to time.

3. It almost goes without saying that one sure fire way of getting the cold is to come into close and regular contact with someone who already has it. So if you know someone who does, try to avoid close contact with them. If you have a cold yourself then try to avoid passing it on clear up your tissues, use separate towels and so on.

4. Fluid intake is important when it comes to the common cold. Drinking a good amount of water a day (around 8 glasses) is recommended by health experts for many reasons. A common belief is that water, in the case of a common cold, will help "flush" out the system. This may not be true, though it is important to keep yourself hydrated in order to aid recovery.

5. Resting is one of the most important factors in the recovery of the common cold and other illness. Not only does this include physical rest, but it means you should avoid any kind of stress. This means taking time off work, unwinding and giving yourself a break!

Unfortunately there is no sure fire way of avoiding a full blown cold once it starts. If you choose to let nature take its course it should go away on its own, though you may be lucky and avoid the worst of it by following some of this advice.

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