“Invulnerable”: preventing colds
Both adults and children suffer from colds. The peak of colds is observed in the fall with the onset of cold weather, when our body does not receive enough vitamins. What to do to avoid getting sick? The answer is obvious - to prevent colds. After all, it has long been known that it is easier and cheaper to prevent a disease than to treat it later.
Hardening the body
One of the most reliable ways to prevent all kinds of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, including colds, is considered to be hardening. It can be used without age restrictions. They harden both infants and very old people.
It is best to start hardening activities in the summer. At this time, there is practically no chance of hypothermia. This is a great time to relax at sea or in the countryside; you can also do hardening at the dacha. If you have absolutely no time to relax and you spend the whole summer in the city, then spend your free time in the pool.
It is best to start hardening small children by rubbing them with a damp towel dipped in cold water. Then gradually lower the temperature of the bathing water. When the baby adapts to these procedures, switch to contrast showers and douches. So you can strengthen the immune system child. Parents can also be involved in these procedures.
In addition to water procedures, hardening measures should include:
- Daily ventilation of the apartment.
- You must walk barefoot in the apartment.
- Do not close windows and doors if you feel a draft. Remember that in children's institutions the windows are often opened slightly for ventilation and the child will not get sick.
- Gradually introduce your child to cold drinks. For example, give dairy products or juice from the refrigerator.
It is important to follow the basic rule of hardening - the increase in load should be gradual, then you will not get sick.
Medicines to prevent colds
Usually cold occurs due to a decrease in the immune properties of the body. As a result, our body perceives the infection more strongly, and the risk of re-development of the disease increases. In this case, you can take any medication as a preventative measure.
Usually, after consultation, the specialist prescribes one of the following remedies:
- Interferon preparations. These agents activate the production of interferon in the human body and enhance protection against viruses. Similar drugs include Cycloferon, Kagocel, Neovir and others. They must be taken in a course before the onset of a seasonal outbreak of the disease.
- Vitamin complexes will be especially useful during periods of mass disease. These are the vitamins “Gerimaks”, “Vetoron”, “Aevit”.
- Adaptogens are used to enhance resistance to adverse environmental influences. Such medications stimulate the immune system and increase performance. These products include extracts of medicinal herbs, for example, Leuzea, Eleutherococcus, Schisandra.
- Immunomodulators are used to strengthen and restore immune defense. Typically, such drugs are well tolerated by all people and do not require special prescriptions. Choose the drugs “Immunal”, “Bronchomunal”, “Likopid”, “Ribomunil” and similar products.
- Antiviral drugs taken for prophylaxis perfectly protect the body during seasonal exacerbations. Such drugs include Arbidol, Kagocel, Viferon, Amiksin.
Traditional methods of prevention
The very first preventative against colds has long been considered an active lifestyle, frequent walks in the fresh air, and airing your home every day. This, akin to hardening, strengthens the body and reduces the likelihood of catching a cold during a mass illness.
Another effective folk method of prevention is nasal rinsing. This simple procedure removes mucus, and along with it, pathogenic bacteria. As a result, the disease cannot develop in the body.
To prevent colds and some other ailments, you can use regular garlic. It is also an excellent medicine and will help you get back on your feet faster if you do become infected. Just spread the peeled garlic cloves around your apartment. In kindergartens, children wear special “pendants” made of garlic as a preventive measure.
As a preventive measure, you can take a special vitamin mixture of twisted nuts, dried apricots, raisins and lemon. Honey is also added to this and eaten daily. This is not only an effective means of prevention, but also very tasty.
