I definitely agree, as I doctor I'm constantly washing my hands, but there aren't sinks in every public spot (like the subway!) so I carry Purell (or other sanitizing hand gel/spray) with me. So whenever I'm grabbing a bite on the go, I can clean my hands on the spot. My other advice to not get sick: take a multivitamin, exercise regularly, and try to get enough sleep (again, as a doctor, I know that's hard!)
This is my Hawaiian step mum's solution and it really works, heat a tin of Campbell's chicken noodle soup and add a good spoonful of curry powder to it. She suffered with bad bad colds and always used this remedy and it worked every time.
Unfortunately, you can't prevent the common cold you can only avoid it. By the time you're displaying any kind of symptom of the virus yourself, you've already got it, obviously. Best to stay away from those with sniffles and sneezes as much as possible and practice good hygiene. If you catch a cold, take paracetamol to keep your temperature in check, keep eating healthily and drink plenty of fluids. Lots of rest is also essential to give your body the best fighting chance. You'll be on your feet again in no time.
This is a German household remedy. A bit disgusting but effective. Chop an onion and cook in 500 ml of water. Strain the broth, sweeten it with some honey and then drink it. Onions are expectorant and disinfecting.
A very good way to stop catching so many colds is to wash your hands - A LOT! You so often pick up germs just by shaking hands with someone, using a phone or travelling on public transport and then infecting yourself by rubbing your eyes, nose or mouth. Just get into the habit of washing your hands as soon as you get into the house or office.
Nasal saline mist squirted into each nostril several times a day has really seemd to help our family. we've been cold free all winter. It keeps the lining of the nasal membrane from getting tiny cracks from dried out nasal passages. Viruses and bacteria can enter this way. Keeping the sinuses and nose moist, especially when flying and before going to sleep each night, seems to help. I buy the generic brand sold in bottles of 2 at CVS, which is alot cheaper then the ones marketed under a brand name. this way you can keep them one on your nightstand and around the house. We right the date we opened them on the bottle so that we can dispose of them after the recommended time.
1) Stop eating. Only drink water and herbal teas such as Green Tea or Jasmine. Drink LOTS of water. Whatever is attacking your immune system will feed off the food you eat. Notice when animals are sick, they stop eating? If you must eat, snack on a granola bar or a fruit.
2) Take garlic supplements available at the drugstore in the herbal remedies section. Bear Paw Garlic is the best. (Don't buy the cheapest ones, they are full of fillers.) Take 2 every 2 to 3 hours or as directed.
3) Stop and rest! Your body's trying to fight off whatever is attacking you. Take a nap if you need to but don't forget your garlic supplements. This works for me everytime. I feel sick for one day. The next morning, I'm good as new!
Juicing keeps colds away. We juice organic carrots, apples and ginger every other morning. Haven't had a cold in ages. Or fresh fruit smoothies as an alternative to carrots. Perfect for keeping the immune system healthy.
Take at least 1 packet of Emergen-C daily. The Vitamin C is great for your immune system (and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent). You will have more energy, clearer skin, and a healthier immune system.
Try nature's superfoods in supplement form - chlorella and spirulina. Both are types of sea algae, and it's best to go with Japanese chlorella and Hawaiin spirulina. They both boost immunity tremendously, and have a multitude of other health benefits.
Gargle with hot hot salt water. Once or twice a day. To make it more fun, try humming "row row row your boat" while you're gargling. (But be careful. You're bound to laugh and sputter!)
I always get the initial cold symptoms like the sniffles or sore throat. When I feel like this i take one of those Multibionta probiotic multivitamins. It stops my cold in its tracks! They are a godsend, my mum takes them regularly and didnt get a cold all winter. I really should try and take it regularly but im awful at remembering to take them.
If you're in Australia - try Waterbury's Compound - a herbal tonic available from pharmacies. I guarantee your chestcold or bronchitis will be totally gone in 3 days!
Echinacea... honest have been taking it for about 4 years now... you just need to take it at beginning of each season and very rarely even get a sniffle now!
It might be that you have an allergy to something dust mites, tree pollen or pets, and the symptoms are often mistaken for that of a cold, or chest infection. Try taking anti-histamines that contain certirizine or loratadine for about a week and see if that makes a difference
There is no cure.What HELPS is a steambath to clear everything up. Also dried elderberries in hot water with half a lemon is herbally the best medicine there is. Three times a day.
Wear gloves on all public transport, and always use your elbow, never your hands, to open the doors of public lavatories. (Toilets, if you really must!!)