It seems to be that time of year again; when the air turns dry and cold and everyone all around you seems to be sick. The reason this happens during the colder months is because we all start spending way too much time inside, and in turn, share our germs. It is a common fact that we can pass along the cold virus through the air. While it can be passed in the air, we are much more likely to get the virus from touching an infected telephone, computer keyboard, or doorknob and then touching our nose, mouth or eyes. We all know that there is no cure for the common cold. But what most of us do not know, is that many over the counter medications only slow the course of the cold and can actually make it last longer. In this article, we are going to touch on a few ways to prevent getting a cold and what to do once you have the cold. Also, we will talk a little bit about home remedies or alternative treatments, and when to see a doctor.

Prevention

Generally speaking, the more you are exposed to cold viruses, the more likely you are to catch the virus. However, just because it is cold outside and it seems like everyone you know is sick, doesn't mean you have to get sick. There are many ways to keep yourself well, but you have to be diligent. Washing your hands with ordinary soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds kills most viruses. People are more likely to get sick if they touch their eyes, nose or mouth after handling a contaminated object. But here are some other helpful suggestions to keep from getting sick:

• Avoid people who are sick, whenever possible
• Avoid sharing dishes, silverware, glasses and even towels
  
• Regularly clean your desk (phone, keyboard, etc.) with sanitizing wipes (viruses can survive up to 48 hours on surfaces)
  
• Use a paper towel rather than a cloth towel to dry your hands
  
• Boost your natural immunity with a healthy diet, regular exercise and get plenty of sleep
  
• Make sure you are getting enough Vitamin C, Zinc and Echinacea
  
• Make sure your environment is not too dry; cold viruses thrive in dry conditions
  
• Reduce stress; our immune systems are linked to stress levels
  
• Keep your nasal passages clear since it is able to filter out airborne dust and germs (blow or use a netty pot to flush your sinuses)
  
• Be careful around public phones, doors, money and pin-pads; all are potential sources for lingering germs
  
• If you are flying with a commercial airline during the height of cold season, you may want to invest in a dust mask that covers mouth and nose, since the recirculation systems spread airborne diseases
• Don’t over use antibacterial soaps, cleaners or gels. They make you build up a resistance to antibiotics and make them ineffective if you do need them
  
  
  

What does help if you do catch a cold?

Most colds last for about one week.  Some cold symptoms can be alleviated with home remedies and over-the-counter medications, but they don’t actually cure your cold.  There are literally hundreds of remedies for a cold.  Some old, some new and don’t be surprised if something that has worked in the past doesn’t seem to have the same effect.  There are as many strains of viruses as there are remedies.

Soup Anyone?

There will always be the remedies of our grandparents and those before them, the most common being, chicken soup. Scientists have actually put the soup to the test. They discovered that the soup does seem to help relieve cold and flu symptoms. It first, acts as an anti-inflammatory and second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus. Staying well-hydrated during a cold is very important. Clear fluids are best so stick with water, clear broth, warm lemon water with honey and even some juices and teas. Avoid alcohol, coffee, sodas and even cut back on dairy.

Here are some tips to help you feel better:

· Stay home and rest – quit spreading the virus!

· Salt water gargle – ½ teaspoon salt in an 8 oz. Glass of warm water – helps to relieve a sore throat and breaks up mucus

· Use Saline nasal spray or a netty pot with warm salty water – not the nasal decongestants – to help break up nasal stuffiness

· Drink plenty of clear fluids

· Humidity is a huge factor to move mucus – use a humidifier but make sure you change the water regularly so it doesn’t grow mold or fungi

Effectiveness of Over-the-Counter Drugs

It is estimated that Americans spend $700 million a year on cold medicines, which will not prevent, cure or even shorten the course of the common cold. The list of medicines that do not have any effect on the cold virus is lengthy, but some of the most common ones are antibiotics, antihistamines and over the counter cough syrups or cold medications. Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses and the over use of antibiotics is contributing to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antihistamines can help with the runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing of allergies; however, these do not help when you have a cold since it further dries the nasal passages and impedes the flow of mucus, which needs to come out. Over the counter cough syrups are not effective in treating cold viruses. The American College of Chest Physicians strongly discourages the use of these medications for cold symptoms. In fact, the College recommends that these cough syrups or any cold medicine, not be used for children younger than 14.

Effectiveness of Alternative Medicines and Supplements

Some alternative medicines and supplements have shown to not only relieve the symptoms of the common cold, but actually shorten the duration and even prevent the onset of the common cold. The list is pretty short here and of course what works for some does not mean that the effects will be the same for all. Vitamin C is known to be a stimulator of the antiviral cytokine Interferon, which prevents viral replication. Garlic, in the form of nose drops (if you can handle it!), has been shown to have prophylactic activity. Echinacea, in the form of tea or pill, stimulates your white blood cell activity. Zinc lozenges can reduce the duration of the common cold.

If you have been struggling with a persistent cough and don’t seem to be getting better, or it is lasting more than three weeks, schedule an appointment to see the Doctor to make sure it is not something more serious.