How Can You Avoid Catching a Cold?

A cold is a viral attack on your immune system. One way to reduce your risk of catching a cold is to strengthen your immune system, taking special care of yourself when your defenses are down.

• Get adequate rest. Children—teenagers as well as young ones—need more sleep than adults.
• Eat a balanced diet, especially whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Ask your doctor about vitamin supplements you might use.
• Get some exercise each day.
• Look for ways to reduce stress in your life.
• Be aware of times when your immune system may be under pressure. Stress, allergic disorders and menstrual cycles may be factors in catching a cold.
• Good hygiene—keeping yourself and your surroundings clean—can kill a cold before it even gets started.
• Keep bathroom and kitchen sink areas clean, with fresh towels, disposable paper napkins and plenty of tissues within easy reach.
• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Always wash hands before eating or preparing food.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Encourage children and others with colds to sneeze or cough into a tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately. Rhinoviruses have been shown to live for up to three hours outside nasal passages—on doorknobs, bus rails and people's hands.
  
  

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  Cold weather doesn't cause colds. But people under significant psychological stress are more prone to colds than those under less stress, regardless of the weather.