Finally! Doctors Leak the Secret Ways to Never Catch a Cold Again

As the cold and flu season kicks in, people are starting to think about preventative measures to avoid becoming sick with the common cold. The common cold causes widespread misery in homes, schools and workplaces across America. While rarely severe, the congestion, sore throat, coughing, sneezing and general discomfort make it an illness most aim to dodge. The highly contagious virus easily passes through families, classrooms and offices.

Thankfully, experts say proven methods exist to reduce your chances of catching a cold. Science-backed precautions like handwashing, surface disinfecting, masking, distancing and managing chronic conditions can help stop colds before they start. Implementing these simple habits provides real protection against the cold's bothersome symptoms wreaking havoc this season.

According to experts, there are several scientifically-backed measures individuals can employ to lower their risk of contracting a cold. These include regular handwashing, thorough disinfection of surfaces, ensuring sufficient sleep, maintaining a nutritious diet, managing chronic conditions, donning masks, and steering clear of crowded spaces. These practices are among the most potent strategies for preventing the onset of a cold.

"Viruses are spread through touch as well as droplets transmitted through sneezing, cough or other close contact," said Dr. Richard Chung, an adolescent medicine specialist at Duke Health. "Viruses can remain on surfaces for several hours." This makes handwashing an important prevention method. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises individuals to cleanse their hands thoroughly for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and water.

Disinfecting high-touch surfaces like phones, door handles and light switches can also limit exposure. Dr. Delana Wardlaw, a family medicine physician at Temple Health, said maintaining healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating well and treating chronic conditions supports immune function and reduces cold risk. She encourages patients to practice self-care.

Wearing a high-quality mask like an N95 provides protection from respiratory illnesses for the wearer and others. Cases of the flu decreased substantially when masks were mandated during the early stages of the pandemic. Avoiding crowded indoor spaces in the days before big events can also lower the odds of catching a cold.

While some people take supplements like zinc, vitamin C or vitamin D hoping to prevent colds, studies show mixed results. "There really isn’t strong evidence to support a range of products people commonly use to try to prevent colds," said Dr. Chung. High doses of supplements can also have negative effects. 

Still, colds sometimes progress into more serious infections. Fevers over 102.2 degrees and shortness of breath are red flags. "Don't hesitate to reach out to your provider and get checked out if you have complications due to age or medical conditions," advised Dr. Chung.

For most healthy people, colds run their course in a week or two. Plenty of rest and fluids help. Antibiotics are useless against viruses, but over-the-counter medicines like decongestants and pain killers might help you feel better in the short term..

According to Dr. Wardlaw, "There isn't a miracle cure."A cold will run its course, you do not need particular medicine to treat a cold." But if symptoms persist or worsen, seeing a doctor is recommended.

With vigilance and some simple precautions, common cold can be avoided this season. Hand hygiene, surface disinfection, healthy habits, masks and social distancing are proven ways to stop a cold before it starts. While inconvenient, colds are generally short-lived. With doctors' guidance and proper care, most people recover fully within a week or two.