Colds Aren’t Always Caused By Sneezing
Although colds can be caused by coughing and sneezing, they are just as likely to be caused by direct contact with objects that have been around an infected person. Many experts agree that shaking hands or another direct contact is more likely to spread colds and viruses than merely being in contact with someone sneezing. Often people with colds cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. This leads to hands becoming contaminated with germs that can then be easily transferred to other surfaces or physical contact. The common Rhinovirus can live on clothing, toys, and other objects. This is one reason it spreads so quickly at day care centers or schools where many children and adults are using space and materials. Frequent hand washing with antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, and good cleaning habits for toys and other common use items can significantly decrease the spread of the common cold to those around you. Door handles and telephones, in particular, can be hiding places for colds and viruses due to just how much they are used by many people. A lot of people forget to clean these items as frequently as they should.
Hand Sanitizer Is A Replacement For Hand Washing
Every public facility and many grocery stores or other high traffic areas have hand sanitizer available to anyone that wishes to use it. While hand sanitizers can help kill bacteria and germs, their effectiveness depends on many factors. If your hands are grimy from dirt, then the hand sanitizer may not be able to reach all of your skin. Hand sanitizer does not wash away debris. The most effective hand sanitizer is made of at least 60% alcohol. If your hand sanitizer is less than 60%, then it is probably not getting rid of a number of germs you are hoping for. The alcohol can be drying and irritating to some people’s skin especially if used very frequently. Soap and water are more effective if you have access to it. Hand sanitizer can be good to have when you are in a real hurry or are not near water and soap. Sensitive skin is more easily sanitized and kept in great shape with a moisturizing hand soap.
Flying Increases Chances Of Getting A Cold
Airplanes have an unfair reputation for being a prime place to contract a cold or virus due to the lack of fresh air. The fact that many people are sitting for long periods of time in a small space only adds to this myth. The fact is that air travel doesn’t increase your risk of getting sick any more than if you were in a similar crowd somewhere else. The more people you are around, the more likely that you will come into contact with a cold virus regardless if you are on a plane or the movie theater in your home town according to The American Medical Association. Just remember to wash your hands frequently when traveling and practice healthy living habits.
Your Fever Is Caused By Your Cold
Although you can get a fever when you have a cold, they are normally not very severe. In fact, most people that have a cold never have a fever at all. If you are sick with a cold, then it is far more likely that you are experiencing a headache, runny nose, and coughing or sneezing. Colds effect different people different ways as well. Just because your spouse took two days to get better doesn’t mean you will get better at the same rate or even have all the same symptoms. Of course, if fever does occur it may be time to see a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis. Fever is more common if you are suffering from a more severe illness such as the flu, pneumonia, strep throat, tonsillitis, or an infection. Fevers are a sign that your body has an immune system response, but that doesn’t mean that the health issue causing it will go away on its own without the help of a doctor. When it comes to fever, it is best to be safe and be seen by a qualified medical professional.
Home Remedies Work Wonders
When you are sick others, sometimes begin to give a lot of health advice based on old-fashioned home remedies. Some of the most common of these home remedies include zinc, large doses of Vitamin C, Echinacea, and Colloidal Silver. The truth is that although well meaning, most of these remedies have not been scientifically proven actually to work. One remedy that is a time-honored and has been proven to help with a cold is chicken noodle soup. While chicken noodle soup is a comforting and warming meal when sick, it also has proven anti-inflammatory benefits that will aid in ridding the body of colds, infections, and other illnesses. If you do choose to try home remedies, make sure that you are not taking herbs and substances that could interact with any other medications you are taking or conditions that you have.