🤧 Why do we catch colds so easily?
The cold is a common viral infection, transmitted by viruses such as the rhinovirus, which spreads easily through the air, contaminated surfaces or close contact with sick people. It affects people of all ages, especially at the change of seasons, when immunity tends to drop.
When the immune system is more vulnerable – whether due to stress, poor diet, lack of sleep or sudden changes in temperature – viruses find fertile ground to multiply in the body.
🧼 1. Wash your hands thoroughly – more than you think
It may seem obvious, but this is one of the most overlooked steps. Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds eliminates viruses that you may have touched on doorknobs, handrails, cell phones and other surfaces.
Extra tip: Always sanitize your hands before touching your face, especially your nose, mouth and eyes – gateways to the cold.
🧃 2. Strengthen your immune system naturally
The secret to avoiding colds lies in your body. Keeping your immune system strong is like armoring your health against invaders.
Good daily practices to strengthen immunity:
- Sleep well (7-9 hours a night)
- Eat a balanced diet, with fruit, vegetables and foods rich in vitamin C, D and zinc
- Exercise regularly
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid excessive stress
🧣 3. Protect yourself against temperature changes
Suddenly moving from a warm environment to a cold one can weaken your body’s defenses. It’s not the cold that causes a cold, but it can facilitate the action of viruses.
How to protect yourself:
- Dress in layers
- Wear a scarf or hat on cold days
- Avoid exposure to draughts after bathing or physical activity
🧑🤝🧑 4. Avoid crowds and direct contact with people with the flu
Closed and crowded environments facilitate the spread of viruses. Whenever possible, keep a safe distance from people who are sneezing or coughing.
Simple tips:
- Prefer ventilated environments
- Wear a mask in hazardous areas
- Do not share personal belongings
💧 5. Use saline solution and humidifiers
Dry air, common in air-conditioned environments or in winter, dries out the airways and makes it easier for viruses to enter. Moisturizing the nose with saline solution and keeping the environment humid is a simple form of protection.
🥗 Bonus: Foods that help prevent colds
Including certain foods in your daily routine can help prevent infections and colds:
- Orange, acerola, kiwi (vitamin C)
- Garlic and onions (antiviral and antibacterial action)
- Natural yogurt (probiotics)
- Ginger and turmeric (anti-inflammatory)
Take care of yourself with simple measures
Avoiding a cold doesn’t require magic formulas. You just need to adopt simple, conscious habits on a daily basis. Prevention is always better than cure – and cheaper too! What’s more, when you take care of yourself, you also protect the people around you.
💡 Final practical tip:
Leave a small bottle of alcohol gel in your bag or backpack. It’s a quick and effective ally when you can’t wash your hands.
👉 Share it with someone who gets colds all the time and needs to know!
