Prevention of Common Cold

You cannot vaccinate against the common cold - 200+ viruses make that impossible. But you can genuinely cut how often you catch one, and most of it is unglamorous hygiene done well.

The heavy lifters

• Handwashing: soap, 20 seconds, several times a day - especially after public transport, markets, offices and before eating. The single strongest cold prevention there is; sanitizer works when soap is unavailable
• Hands off the face: the virus enters through the nose and eyes - nail the habit gap
• Sleep: 7-8 hours; people sleeping under 6 hours catch colds measurably more often
• Ventilation: open windows beat closed AC rooms; indoor crowding is how offices and classrooms circulate colds

Supporting habits

• Do not smoke: smoking damages airway defenses and lengthens every cold
• Manage stress: prolonged stress measurably raises susceptibility
• Regular moderate exercise: walkers and regular exercisers catch fewer colds than the sedentary; extreme overtraining does the reverse
• Balanced food: no single food prevents colds, but the overall pattern - vegetables, fruits, dals, adequate protein - keeps immunity supplied

During the season and in the household