STAY HEALTHY

The person before you at the grocery checkout coughs, then sneezes before swiping their credit card. You pay cash to avoid touching a contaminated card reader. You have no desire to catch what they have.

With more than 200 viruses known to cause it, the common cold can seem unavoidable, especially if you have kids. But there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of being infected.

Hand Washing

The most effective method for preventing infection by a cold virus is to scrub your hands with soap and water frequently––especially when you have been out in public or in proximity to another person suffering from symptoms. In a pinch use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Don’t Touch 

Avoid touching areas of your body that absorb the virus into your system––your eyes, nose and mouth. It can be difficult to remember, especially if you are seized with a sudden itchy eye––which underscores the importance of hand washing.

Wipe Down

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases notes that “rhinoviruses can survive up to three hours outside the nasal passages on inanimate objects and skin.” They suggest cleaning surfaces in your home or office space with a disinfectant when someone is sick with a cold to prevent the spread of infection.

Sleep Well

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that those who slept more than seven hours each night were less likely to succumb to colds.Their sleepy counterparts saw a threefold increase in colds over those who got enough Zs. Give your body the immunity boost of a good night’s rest. 

Exercise Regularly

Studies show that exercise does more than make you strong. It can also reduce the occurrence (and intensity) of colds. Dr. David Nieman, a professor of health and exercise science at Appalachian State University, says that his study recorded a 43 percent reduction in sick days due to colds and a reported 40 percent drop in symptoms experienced among those who walked briskly for 35-45 minutes, 5 days a week.

Cold season is here. But there are ways to keep viruses at bay.