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Fighting The Common Cold
Even healthy people can get colds, but there are things you can do to safeguard against infection
What exactly is a cold?
Colds are actually viral infections, ,. And while there's no real cure, you can lessen the frequency of colds as well as manage the discomforts associated with them if you follow a few simple tips.
Symptoms
cold symptoms can take the form of low-grade fevers, headaches, body aches, coughs, sneezes and runny noses. Home remedies for these symptoms include:
·Hot showers to clear your head and open nasal and lung passages
·Cool mist humidifiers to loosen mucus and moisten airways
·Drinking hot liquids, such as tea, hot chocolate, or soups
·Salt water gargle (1/8 teaspoon of salt to one cup water) to relieve sore throats (do not swallow)
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When to see your doctor
It's appropriate to consult your physician if cold symptoms last longer than the typical five to seven days. You should also see a doctor if you:
·Have a high fever -- fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
·Have difficulty breathing
·Have trouble swallowing
·Are coughing up blood or excessive phlegm
Preventing colds
People who don't take preventive measures often get four to six colds per year, while healthy people may get one or two, says Dr. Stanley. The number one way to stave off colds is washing your hands several times per day. The cold virus has been shown to live on surfaces and clothing for up to 24 hours,. Touching your hands to your eyes, nose or mouth greatly increases your chance of contracting the virus. Other ways to stay healthy include:
·Stop smoking. Smoking impairs the lung's ability to clear itself of mucus and germs
·Blow your nose gently. The pressure from excessive blowing can drive germs into the ear passages
·Exercise several times a week. Activity stimulates the body's immune system
·Drink plenty of water. Keeping the body properly hydrated helps flush viruses from your system
·Watch your drinking. Too much alcohol can lower the body's resistance to bacteria and viruses
Very important that you see your doctor before doing anything in this web site. We do not recommend anything in this WEB SITE. You should always consults your Doctor before doing anything medical with your body. This is just any information on site.
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