Resorting to herbal remedies
Though many
people frown upon herbal medicine and indeed some even think its all mumble-jumble, I have personally
found that taking Echinacea can reduce chances of catching a cold as well
halving the duration of a cold. Many people
swear by vitamin C when it comes to preventing or fighting a cold. Personally whilst I think it does fight the invading gits, vitamin C actually does very little to prevent
the common cold occuring. This is not to say that one shouldn't make sure his/her diet includes sufficient
amounts of the vitamin, however, as the body is unable to produce it on its
own. I am saved having to remember to popor chew vitamin C tablets every day - virtually most drinks come with it added, courtesy of nanny state.
Another
common misconception regarding the common cold is that, once you have one,
there is nothing you can do about it. Antiviral drugs, however, if taken soon
enough can reduce the duration of the illness and make you feel better in the
meantime. Other medications such as Lemsip will also help to make the symptoms
of the cold less unpleasant. If everyone
around you is falling over with cold and flu symptoms, there are a few things
you can do which will limit your chances of falling ill. Wash your hands
regularly (amazingly this practice is being taught and drilled into persons in these developed countries!), avoid people
who you know are or have been ill and try not to touch your nose or face (yes, that includes picking your nose however much attached you might've become to such a habit). And
if you do catch a cold, don't worry too much - your immune system will deal
with it and it should only last for seven days. Any longer and you prolly need to check it out with your doctor.
The common cold isn't caused by cold weather or any other common
misconception - it is a virus which can be caught either through
the air after an infected person has coughed or sneezed or from contact with
the saliva or nasal secretions of a person carrying the virus. The virus is
constantly mutating, which is why it is impossible to immunise people against
the condition.