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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Common Cold: Prevention of Common Cold

Common Cold

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Symptoms & Signs

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Alternate Names : Cold, Upper Respiratory Infection - Viral


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Common Cold Prevention

It might seem overwhelming to try to prevent colds, but you can do it. Children average 3 to 8 colds per year. It is certainly better to get three than eight!

Here are 5 proven ways to reduce exposure to germs:

  • Switch day care: Using a day care of 6 or fewer children dramatically reduces germ contact.
  • Wash hands: Children and adults should wash hands at key moments -- after nose-wiping, after diapering or toileting, before eating, and before food preparation.
  • Use instant hand sanitizers: Talk about convenient! A little dab will kill 99.99% of germs without any water or towels. It uses alcohol to destroy germs. It is an antiseptic, not an antibiotic, so resistance can't develop. And here's the cool part -- it's fun. Many kids think it's a treat to get to use it!
  • Disinfect: Clean commonly touched surfaces (sink handles, sleeping mats) with an EPA-approved disinfectant.
  • Use paper towels... instead of shared cloth towels.

Here are seven ways to support the immune system:

  • Avoid unnecessary antibiotics: The more people use antibiotics, the more likely they are to get sick with longer, more stubborn infections caused by more resistant organisms.
  • Breastfeed: Breast milk is known to protect against respiratory tract infections, even years after the breastfeeding is done. Kids who don't breastfeed average 5 times more ear infections.
  • Avoid second-hand smoke: Keep as far away from it as possible! It is responsible for many health problems, including millions of colds.
  • Get enough sleep: Late bedtimes and poor sleep leave people vulnerable.
  • Drink water: Your body needs fluids for the immune system to function properly.
  • Eat yogurt: The beneficial bacteria in some active yogurt cultures can help prevent colds.
  • Take zinc: Children and adults who are zinc-deficient get more infections and stay sick longer.


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Definition
Common Cold Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Common Cold Symptoms & Signs
Common Cold Prevention
Common Cold Treatment
Common Cold Prognosis
Common Cold Complications
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Pictures & Images

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Review Date : 11/19/2003
Reviewed By : Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine; Lucile Packard Children's Hospital; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial reviewers. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Page Last Updated: 19 Jul, 2008