It is winter time, and you know what that means: Cold Season! While being in the cold does not directly translate to getting the virus for the common cold, lower temperatures often weaken the immune disease, inhibiting the body from properly fighting off the virus. There are over 200 different viruses of the common cold which circulate, causing most people to catch the cold two to three times per year. The common cold viruses are transmitted through breathing in the aerosol droplets of the virus and by touching your face with something that touched a surface that the cold resided on. I’m sure you’ve experienced it – the stuffy nose, itchy throat, runny eyes, and the all around feeling of grossness. You feel yucky, chances are you have to take off from school or work, and it just is generally not a good experience. So then, the real question is, how can I not catch the cold this cold season? Below are some tips as to how to prevent catching the common cold:
- WASH YOUR HANDS!!! Wash your hands as frequently as possible to avoid transmitting the virus by touching surfaces.
- Stay warm: keep your immune system strong and running by staying out of the cold and keeping your body temperature warm.
- Don’t share drinks.
- Cough into your elbow or arm.
- Eat foods that are high in Vitamin C to boost your immune system.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. In general, just avoid touching your face!
- Bring hand sanitizer with you in case you can’t find a sink before eating.
- Wear a medical mask. While you might think it looks silly, wearing a mask could be a good way to protect yourself from the virus.
Stay healthy!
MicroSCOPE It Out 