Are there any ways to prevent contracting the common cold?

Prevention of the common cold is a concern for everyone. There are certainly steps one can take to prevent common cold contraction. One of the common cold facts is that it is not contracted from just one virus; many viruses are responsible for the symptoms associated with the cold.

First it is important to know the common cold contagious period. Although scientists aren’t sure the exact common cold contagious period, it is estimated to be one to two days before symptoms appear and then as long as two weeks after contraction of the cold. So it is important to use prevention methods especially during the contagious period. The majority of scientists agree that people are most contagious day two through day four of the common cold.

The number one way to prevent common cold is to wash your hands! It is one of the many common cold facts that germs spread from hands to other surfaces rapidly. In addition to washing hands often and in warm, soapy water for at least 30 seconds at a time it is important to keep hands away from the face, especially the eyes, nose and mouth as these are easy entry points for viruses to enter.

One of the common cold myths in the prevention of the cold is to supplement with vitamin C frequently. Although vitamin C may help to alleviate the symptoms of the common cold there is no scientific evidence to support the use of vitamin C in the prevention of the cold.

Other ways to prevent common cold is to disinfect and keep surfaces of the household clean, especially those that are handled often such as door knobs and light switches. Smoking may also irritate the lining of the airway so not smoking is a great way to avoid the common cold. When possible, use paper towels in lieu of cloth towels to prevent the spread of the cold as bacteria and other things can live for hours in the moist environment of a cloth towel.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.