The common cold is caused by viruses, the most common of which is rhinovirus. Although the symptoms are not serious, the disease can lead to complications in certain groups of people, such as the elderly, young children and those with compromised immune systems, according to the health website Verywell Health (USA).
Rinsing your nose with saline can help reduce the risk of catching a cold virus.
Common symptoms of a cold include nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough and fatigue. These symptoms are due to the body's immune response to the virus, which leads to inflammation and increased mucus production in the nose and throat.
To prevent and minimize the risk of disease, people need to take care of their nose and throat in the following ways:
Avoid touching your face
One of the most effective ways to prevent catching a cold is to avoid touching your face. Cold viruses can survive on surfaces for several hours. When you touch these surfaces and then touch your face, the virus can enter your nose and mouth. To prevent this, it is essential to practice good hand hygiene, washing your hands frequently with soap or using an alcohol-based hand rub. This can significantly reduce your risk of catching a cold.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water will help keep the mucous membranes in the nose and throat moist, thereby making it easier to expel mucus and prevent viruses from entering. Hot foods such as tea or soup can also help relieve cold symptoms. In addition, people should also avoid drinking alcohol, beer, and caffeine because they can cause dehydration and worsen cold symptoms.
Humidify the environment
Dry air can irritate the mucous membranes in your nose and throat, making it easier for viruses to invade. Using a cool mist humidifier will help increase the humidity in the air and keep your mucous membranes moist, making it harder for viruses to invade your nose and throat.
Use nasal spray
Nasal sprays and saline solutions can help relieve congestion and keep nasal passages moist, thereby improving breathing and reducing the risk of infection.
Rinsing your nose with salt water can also help remove some of the viruses or bacteria that are present in your nose, reducing their ability to multiply and cause illness. It is important to make sure the saline is sterile and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any side effects, according to Verywell Health .
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