Protection from monsoon diseases: Common Cold

Cold is one of the most common conditions during the monsoon season and is a result of the drastic fluctuations in temperature. It is a highly contagious and most common form of viral infections. Common cold is a self-limiting disease but it can reduce your body’s immunity making it susceptible to other diseases.

Symptoms involve runny or stuffy nose, body ache, throat irritation, soreness, and fever. It is always advisable to consult a physician and get the required medicines prescribed for getting cured from the infection.

The best way to prevent common cold is to develop and boost your immune system. Here are some tips that can reduce your risk of getting a cold.

• Have a healthy and nutritious diet.

• Boost immunity by eating Vitamin C rich foods and green leafy vegetables.

• Keep distance from an infected person.

• Wash your hands often.

• Disinfect common areas often.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• Get adequate sleep.

• Meditate to reduce stress.

As such there is no cure for the common cold. It is a self-limiting illness that will resolve with time. But, we can always use home remedies to alleviate the symptoms and help the body fight off the infections. Here are some of the things you can do to reduce the discomfort.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Increase your fluid intake by drinking more juices and soups.

• Avoid alcohol and coffee.

• Gargle using saltwater to relieve sore or scratchy throat. To make this, just mix half teaspoon salt in small cup of warm water.

• Take steam, preferably with a few drops of eucalyptus oil, to loosen congestion.

• Drink ginger tea to soothe your throat. Just add a few slices of ginger in boiling water to make this tea.

• Increase garlic intake in your food.

• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Especially fruits rich in vitamin C.

• Eat home-made yogurt to increase your intake of probiotics or friendly bacteria.

• Warm sponge baths can sometimes be useful to reduce fever. Adding epsom salt and baking soda to the water can reduce body ache. To increasing the soothing effect add essential oils such as eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil.

These are few of the many ways to protect your family from cold. Common cold takes a long time to leave your system so it is always better to consult a doctor as a precaution.

Stay safe and stay healthy!