Stay Warm This Winter - Don't Catch Cold

Preventing the common cold is the equal to humanity's Rubik's Cube. Nobody's quite figured out how to do it, but if you'd like to stay healthy this winter, there are a number of things that can be done to help lessen the instance of the common cold. Particularly for those who are in home care situations, staying healthy and avoiding the common illnesses of the colder months is of the utmost importance.

Of course, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Be sure to get enough sleep and eat right so that your immune system is as strong as possible. If you're healthy to begin with, you're less likely to come down with a cold. Be careful not to turn the thermostat up too high—the more moisture there is in the air, the easier it is for your mucus membranes to keep lubricated. The mucus membranes are your body's first line of defense when it comes to catching the germs that infect the body, so keeping an eye on the heat (or even purchasing a dehumidifier) can make it easier for you to stay cold-free.

Be sure to wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with those who have the common cold. If you're a home caregiver, it's crucial to distance yourself from your clients when you're ill.

If you have a cold, the best medicine for it is rest and fluids. If the cold is causing you extreme discomfort, consider taking a mild pain reliever to help mitigate the effects. Try eating extra vitamin C—this can be found in orange and tomato juices and may also be taken in a pill form. Echinacea is also a natural way to boost your immune system and is very commonly sold in a tea.

Dealing with the common cold can make winter hard to bear. But a few precautions and a little knowledge can help keep you well this winter!