How To Prevent A Cold When You Feel It Coming

While colds are primarily associated with drizzling rain, biting frosts and dropping temperatures, it's actually easy to catch one at any time of year (they're not called common for anything, after all!).

Colds are usually classed as mild illnesses, but they can still make you feel pretty grotty and impact your day-to-day. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the best ways on how to prevent a cold when you feel it coming.

Top tips for preventing a cold when you feel one coming

Oh, the dread! That familiar tickle in your throat, the sniffles, and the sneezes that seem to come out of nowhere. A cold is plotting against you, and you're determined not to let it win this time. So, put on your armour (or, you know, an extra pair of socks), and let's embark on a mission to prevent that impending cold from settling in.

They say that knowledge is power, and when it comes to battling the common cold, the more you know, the better. Thankfully, there are many ways to keep yourself in tip-top condition and fully prepared to tackle a cold should it come looking for a fight. From exercising and eating healthily to taking supplements and looking after your mental health, let's take a look at the best ways to prevent a cold when you feel it coming.

Denial is not your friend

When you first feel that ominous tickle, it might be tempting to deny everything - to tell yourself that it's just allergies or that maybe you swallowed a rogue feather from your pillow. However, convincing yourself that you're invincible and soldering on won't help you in the long run, so as soon as you suspect a cold is a-coming, it's best to act right away.

Consume more garlic than a vampire hunter

Garlic isn't just for warding off vampires; it can help fend off colds, too. Eat so much garlic that you become a walking, talking biohazard zone. People might avoid you, but at least you'll have your personal space. If you're not a fan of garlic, never fear - there are plenty of alternative ways to get your daily dose, such as these garlic capsules, which will keep your immune system strong while keeping you mistletoe-ready, should the need arise. 

Don't share, ever!

Sharing is caring? Not when it comes to colds! Channel your inner Gollum and protect your precious, er, personal belongings. That means no sharing of drinks, utensils, or, heaven forbid, lip balm. If someone asks for a sip of your hot cocoa, reply with a dramatic, "My precious!" and see how quickly they change their mind.

Embrace the 'Cough-Elbow' greeting

Ditch the old handshake and embrace the "cough-elbow" greeting. Extend your elbow, cough into it dramatically, and then wink at your newfound friend. It's not only a germ-busting manoeuvre but also a solid conversation starter. Who knew elbows could be so charming?

Dose up on Vitamin C

Consume so much vitamin C that you practically turn into an orange. Remember, it's not about preventing the cold; it's about creating a hostile environment for germs, and vitamin C just happens to be the superhero of the supplement world. Consume vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits and broccoli, and take a daily supplement to ensure you are getting the right amount.

Channel your inner zen

Stress weakens your immune system, so take time to look after your mental health and identify where you can eliminate stress from your life. We've all got pressure in our lives, and whether it's a busy workload or a never-ending laundry load, keeping on top of stress is vital for your health. Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. If you need extra support, try incorporating stress and anxiety tackling supplements into your diet, too. 

Scrub those mitts

Regular hand washing has never been so in vogue. You'll keep those germs at bay by frequently washing your hands with antibacterial soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places, touching surfaces, or before eating. In fact, handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.

Make hand sanitiser your new best friend

Hand sanitiser should be up there with your keys and wallet as a must-have item before you leave the house. When soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol to kill germs on your hands.

Avoid touching your face

Are you a chin stroker, a moustache twiddler or a nose scratcher? If so, it's bad news for you as cold viruses often enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth. By avoiding touching your face, especially with unwashed hands, you'll help keep colds at bay.

Cover your mouth and nose

While the era of enforced facemasks might be behind us, it's still a good idea to cover your mouth and nose in situations where you feel more exposed to germs. Wearing a facemask in crowded public spaces might not be a bad idea if you are hell-bent on remaining cold-free. It's also imperative that when you cough or sneeze, you use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose to prevent the spread of germs to others. 

Avoid sick people (like the plague)

Sometimes, the simplest advice is the best, so here's a good one for you. If you don't want to catch a cold, stay away from people who have them (duh!). By avoiding close contact with individuals with cold symptoms, you can minimise your chances of catching what they've got. 

Lots of fluids

Before you hot foot it to the nearest pub, no, unfortunately, we don't mean the good stuff! If you want to prevent a cold, staying hydrated is essential. Drinking plenty of water or other healthy drinks will help keep your respiratory system strong and can assist in flushing out viruses from your body.

Munch on those greens

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals that can boost your immune system. So make sure you're getting your daily dose of healthy foods to keep you in tip-top condition and fighting fit should a cold attempt to invade your system.

Catching the zzz’s

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to keep your immune system strong. If you have trouble getting some shut-eye, you can try sleep aids to help ensure you drift off with no trouble at all.

Try Supplements that have preventative qualities

One of the best supplements to take at the onset of cold symptoms is the Source Naturals Wellness Formula. This combination supplement contains powerful herbs and nutrients like echinacea, elderberry, and olive leaf extract with antiviral and immune-boosting properties. Take 4-6 capsules a day when you notice cold symptoms starting can help stop the virus in its tracks by supporting your immune system when you need it most. The elderberry and olive leaf act as anti-virals, while the echinacea supports the immune system to fight symptoms like a sore throat, runny nose, and fever a lot faster. 

How to prevent a cold when you feel it coming with Baldwins

Remember that it's still possible to catch a cold despite taking precautions. If you do become ill, rest, drink fluids, and consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms worsen or persist. 

Prevention is critical, but taking care of yourself when you're sick is equally crucial for a swift recovery and to prevent the spread of the virus to others. Remember, if a cold strikes you, you can always rely on us to provide a range of quality, effective cold and flu remedies to get you back to your best in no time!