The Common Cold: Prevention And Treatment

'Tis the season.

The season for giving, and sharing, and suffering...

No, I'm not talking about Christmas, I'm talking about the common cold. This is the time of year where it seems someone in the office has it, and they are willing to bring it in for everyone to share. How thoughtful! If you have kids, they go to schools, which are harbingers of disease, and then your kids bring the cold right in the front door.

But how can you prevent yourself and your loved ones from catching the bug? And if/when you succumb to the virus, how can you get rid of it without taking cold medicines that will turn you into a zombie with a cold?

According to the Mayo Clinic's WEBSITE, the best ways to prevent you from catching the common cold are:

• Wash your hands. Clean your hands thoroughly and often, and teach your children the importance of hand-washing.
• Scrub your stuff. Keep kitchen and bathroom countertops clean, especially when someone in your family has a common cold. Wash children's toys periodically.
• Use tissues. Always sneeze and cough into tissues. Discard used tissues right away, and then wash your hands carefully. Teach children to sneeze or cough into the bend of their elbow when they don't have a tissue. That way they cover their mouths without using their hands.
• Don't share. Don't share drinking glasses or utensils with other family members. Use your own glass or disposable cups when you or someone else is sick. Label the cup or glass with the name of the person with the cold.
• Steer clear of colds. Avoid close, prolonged contact with anyone who has a cold.
• Choose your child care center wisely. Look for a child care setting with good hygiene practices and clear policies about keeping sick children at home.

Good words to live by, but sometimes all of the prevention in the world won't protect you 100%. We don't live in sick free bubbles, so there is a chance that you could catch a cold. What then?

WebMD has a great article on that very subject detailing each of these steps:

#1 Know When not to Treat Symptoms
#2 Blow Your Nose Often (and the Right Way)
#3 Treat That Stuffy Nose With Warm Salt Water
#4 Stay Warm and Rested
#5 Gargle
#6 Drink Hot Liquids
#7 Take a Steamy Shower
#8 Use a Salve Under Your Nose
#9 Apply Hot or Cold Packs Around Your Congested Sinuses
#10 Sleep With an Extra Pillow Under Your Head
#11 Don't Fly Unless Necessary
#12 Eat Infection-Fighting Foods

The first one is probably most important. Although it may sound counter-intuitive, treating a fever is one of the worst things you can do. The article says that if you're running a fever, you should let your body run that fever so that it uses its own defenses to battle the virus. If you treat the fever, then you might take longer to get better.

Check out the rest of the articles for more tips, and let's try to keep that particular gift that keeps on giving at bay.