How do you prevent the common cold?

The most important measure to prevent the common cold is to avoid infected individuals.

Frequent hand washing is also extremely important, as this can destroy viruses that you have acquired from touching contaminated surfaces. Also, try to avoid sharing utensils and try to use disposable items (such as disposable cups) if someone in your family has a cold. Finally, lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and stress management may decrease your susceptibility to acquiring the common cold. At this time, an effective vaccine against the common cold is not available.

Common Cold At A Glance

* The common cold is caused by many different viruses.

* Being in cold weather does not cause the common cold.

* Over-the-counter medications may be used for treatment of the common cold.

* Antibiotics do not help the common cold.

* The common cold is self-limited and can generally be managed at home

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