Prevention of a cold

Synonyms

Rhinitis
Cold
sniff
gripal infect

English: Cold

Cold prophylaxis

Unlike the flu, there is no preventive vaccination against the common cold that can protect against infection. The best prevention is to stay away from already infected people or to observe certain hygiene conditions after contact with an infected person. This includes above all hand washing (if possible with disinfectant solutions containing alcohol) and avoiding close contact with the infected person. Otherwise, there are no special preventive measures for colds. General prophylactic measures for the general avoidance of illnesses are of course just as effective in the case of a cold. These include: regular exercise, a balanced diet (vitamins, minerals, fiber), and stress reduction. Numerous preventive or curative medicines for colds have not proven effective in studies. The frequently recommended vitamin C supplements that should be taken for colds have shown no advantage over not taking them.

also read: How long is a cold contagious?

Medicines to prevent a cold

As a preventive measure against a cold you should no medication is being taken.
Medication is only necessary if you already have a cold or if the first symptoms appear. As a preventive measure, at most certain behaviors can be observed that minimize the risk of transmission of pathogens or strengthen the immune system. This can be achieved through balanced, vitamin-rich diet happen and supportive for example through homeopathy.
There are also drugs available over the counter that can help support the immune system. These are preparations that many Vitamins and Minerals contain.

Medicines can be effective when the first signs of a cold become noticeable and these are to be combated.
This is the further course of the cold often positively influenced and the cold subsides faster.

Taking combination preparations is often not very helpful because, for example, the cough suppressant they contain only makes sense at night and during the day the cough promotes the removal of phlegm.
Therefore, the symptoms should rather be combated individually. For example, with cough syrup for coughing, nasal spray for nasal congestion and, if necessary, antipyretic agents if the fever is very high.
For headaches caused by the common cold, preparations containing the active ingredient ibuprofen can be helpful.

aspirin

Aspirin © as a pain reliever, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drug, is used for symptomatic therapy in the case of an existing cold and is less suitable for general prevention of a flu-like infection.

Especially with cold symptoms, an Aspirin © -Vitamin C mixture can be recommended, which is usually administered as an effervescent tablet to be dissolved in water. However, Aspirin © must not be used with toddlers and children.

Aspirin © with the active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid relieves headaches and body aches, lowers fever and curbs the inflammatory processes in the area of the mucous membranes caused by the viruses.

The combination preparation with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) also has a strengthening effect on the immune system.

Even if the intake of vitamin C is generally suitable for preventing colds, the prophylactic intake of Aspirin © is not at all recommended: due to the possible side effects (e.g. in the gastrointestinal tract), it is limited in time and purely symptom-related Recommended use.

Read more on the topic: Aspirin ©

Home remedies to prevent a cold

The classic home remedies for the prevention of a cold include, in addition to a balanced diet, an adequate intake of vitamin C and zinc. If this does not work as part of normal nutrition, combination preparations can also be administered as dietary supplements. Both vitamin C and zinc have a positive effect on the immune system, strengthen and support it and help defend against viruses and bacteria.

Another way to prevent colds is to use warm foot baths. The effect consists in the supply of heat and the resulting increased blood flow to the upper respiratory tract, which facilitates and supports the activation of the immune system.

Furthermore, it is worthwhile to drink enough fluids (preferably water or other non-sugary drinks: ginger, elderberry, linden blossom tea) so that the skin and mucous membranes have sufficient moisture available to form a suitable protective barrier.

Avoiding dry heating air, which leads to the dehydration of the mucous membranes and thus makes them more susceptible to pathogens, can also help prevent colds.

Alternating showers (switch to cold water for a short time after a warm shower) can strengthen the immune system by stimulating and increasing the blood flow in the body and thus immune cells can be provided faster and better.

Scientific studies have also shown that a lack of sleep and chronic stress in everyday life weaken the immune system, so that sufficient sleep and regular relaxation phases can be useful in preventing colds.

General preventive measures that can prevent infection with cold-causing viruses include washing your hands regularly with soap and rinsing your nose with a nasal douche and physiological saline solution so that annoying viruses are removed from your hands and nasal cavity.

Read more on the topic: Home remedies for a cold

Schuessler salts

To prevent a cold, the intake of Schüßler salts can be started as a prophylactic measure at the beginning of the cold season. This is particularly recommended for people who repeatedly suffer from respiratory infections in winter. By taking Schüßler salt No. 9, sodium phosphoricum, and No. 11, Silicea, you can strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of catching a cold. In addition, Dalz No. 17, Manganum sulfuricum, and No. 21, Zincum chloratum, are said to have a positive effect on the immune system.

At the beginning of the cold season, people who want to strengthen their immune system can take a Schüßler salt cure. This takes about 4 to 6 weeks and includes the salts listed above.
In the morning, at noon, in the afternoon and in the evening 2 tablets each are sucked, whereby in the morning No. 3, at noon No. 17, in the afternoon No. 21 and in the evening No. 11 are taken.

Read more on the topic: Schuessler salts

zinc

The content of numerous medical studies is the question of whether taking zinc supplements can shorten the duration of a cold or even prevent it.
The result shows that taking zinc can reduce both the severity of the symptoms and the duration of a cold, with the prerequisite for this being taken immediately within the first 24 hours after the onset of symptoms is.

The reason for this is the effect of zinc on certain pathogens: on the common cold pathogen - the Rhinovirus - it has an inhibiting effect, so that their increase is curbed.

However, which dose is the best is still somewhat controversial and different sources differ from one another.

In addition, the (incorrect) consumption of zinc preparations can lead to significant side effects (e.g. nausea, bad taste in the mouth). This is the reason why zinc substitution is often not recommended and a balanced diet rich in vitamins is recommended.

Diet to prevent colds

A balanced and healthy diet is an ideal prophylaxis against a cold.

A balanced and vitamin-rich diet is the basis for a well-functioning immune system and thus for preventing a cold. A sufficient supply of vitamin C and vitamin E is particularly important. Both prevent the cells of the body from being destroyed and therefore have a very important function. Vitamin C is mainly found in citrus fruits, but also in fennel, kale, Brussels sprouts and paprika. Vitamin E is a component of vegetable oils. Meat and animal fats should be consumed in moderation.

A guideline for the daily intake of fruit and vegetables is 5 handfuls. If a balanced diet and adequate fluid intake are guaranteed, there is usually no need for nutritional supplements for a healthy immune system.

Vitamin C helps build an intact immune system, but it is not helpful to take vitamin supplements if the cold is already there. Then it just has to be cured.

Read more on the topic: nutrition

Homeopathy for the prevention of a cold

There are different homeopathic remediesthat can be taken to prevent a cold.
The effect of homeopathic remedies is also based on strengthening the immune system so that viral pathogens that cause a cold can be fought more effectively. Taking is particularly popular Globules (Globules) that will melt in your mouth.
To prevent a cold it is Aconite very effective. This remedy can be taken when a cold is on the horizon. For this should 5 globules When dissolved in water, you will be drunk in sips over a period of 2 to 3 hours. Echinacea is particularly beneficial for the immune system and can be taken when the cold season is approaching.

Even if the first signs of a cold appear, globules can have a positive effect on the further course of the cold. Nux vomica is helpful when the nose is blocked and a scratchy throat occurs. It can also be used at beginning Sore throat Apis to be taken. Camphora is also used in the early stages, when those affected begin to shiver constantly. Belladonna makes sense when the cold is more advanced.

Also Umckaloabo is a purely herbal preparation for the prevention of colds when the first symptoms are already present. For children up to 12 years of age, this is even subject to a prescription at the expense of the health insurers.

In addition, there are various medicinal plants that, if consumed regularly, prevent a cold. These include ginger, thyme, cardamom, garlic and Johannis herbs. Many of them can be drunk as tea.

Exercise to prevent a cold

If you want to prevent a cold, you need a strengthened immune system.
For this, not only a healthy and balanced diet is important, but also exercise. Regular exercise in the fresh air strengthens the immune system. No top performance has to be achieved for this.

These often even achieve the opposite and put a lot of strain on the immune system and lead to a weakening. Endurance sports, like a round to jog, Cycle or To go for a walk are ideal for keeping the body fit. However, exercise should be a regular part of the daily schedule in order to have positive effects on the immune system. It is best to do something for your condition about 3 to 4 times a week.

But note: If a cold has broken out, the body needs rest. Therefore, exercise should be avoided if you have a cold.

Preventing a cold in toddlers / babies

Infants and babies are more likely to get colds than adults. This is because their immune system is not yet fully developed and pathogens can spread more easily in the body. Toddlers and babies often catch colds several times a year, but this is not a cause for concern, it is completely normal.

Homeopathic remedies can be used as early as infancy, as they have very few side effects. A doctor or alternative practitioner should be asked for advice regarding the correct dosage. With homeopathic remedies, the immune system can be strengthened even before the onset of the cold and a cold can be prevented if necessary.

If the first signs of a cold are already there, they should be treated symptomatically. So should a Nasal spray or Nasal drops with a stuffy nose and Cough Syrup given for coughing.
Before medication is administered, it is essential to consult a pediatrician. In babies and toddlers up to 12 years of age, drugs containing the active ingredient should not be given Acetylsalicylic acid (ASS) because this can lead to Liver and brain damage to lead.

Care should be taken when using Cold ointments and essential oils. These often contain menthol, which if rubbed in or inhaled can lead to respiratory arrest in babies and young children.

If the child has a fever, it should not immediately be given an antipyretic drug. Fever is a natural defense mechanism of the body and combats pathogens. In addition, feverish children feel weak and usually do not exhaust themselves. However, if the fever is lowered with medication, the child feels healthy and often does not take sufficient care of itself to cure the cold. Therefore, the administration of antipyretic agents should be discussed with the pediatrician.