Cold and flu season is here and one local doctor reminds residents there are things you can do to prevent colds — or, if you
have one, to lessen its severity.
Cold symptoms usually include nasal congestion, runny nose, scratchy throat and sneezing, said Dr. Mary Sherk, family medicine
physician with Imperial Health. Because a cold is a virus, it can’t be treated with antibiotics.
“There are many over-the-counter remedies to help you feel better as your body fights a cold,” she said.
Several studies show that zinc can help
you recover from a cold faster, Sherk said. Researchers reviewed
evidence from 17
studies in which more than 2,000 people were randomly assigned to
take either zinc tablets or a placebo. Their findings showed
that people taking zinc reduced the length of a cold by an average
of just over a day-and-a-half. People who took higher doses
of zinc gained the most benefit; their colds were cut by nearly
three days. The supplement zinc acetate showed the most effectiveness.
Sherk offered these tips that can stop a cold from spreading:
• Wash your hands. “The majority of
infectious diseases can be spread by touching a surface with germs and
then touching the
eyes, nose or mouth,” Sherk said. “Keeping clean hands will go a
long way to reducing the number of germs entering your body.”
• Disinfect. Doorknobs, phones, remote
controls and handles on grocery store carts are some of the most common
places where
cold germs like to linger. Anytime you can, wipe down the area
with disinfectant. “The goal isn’t to have a completely sterile
environment because that’s unrealistic and your body doesn’t
require it, but keeping germs at bay during the cold and flu
season is a good idea,” she said.
• Practice good respiratory hygiene. Avoid sneezing all over a surface or on someone. When you need to cough or sneeze, do
so in the crook of your elbow or in a tissue.
• Don’t share. A hand towel in the
bathroom or toothbrushes could be harboring a multitude of germs. Sherk
suggested using
paper towels and toothbrush covers instead. If someone has a cold,
have them use a separate blanket and pillow than the rest
of the family.
Sherk reminded residents that people with colds become contagious two or three days before their symptoms begin and they remain
contagious until their symptoms have gone.
“If you do come down with a cold, getting plenty of rest and fluids will help you recover as quickly as possible,” she said.