Preventing a cold – here are 6 effective tips

If you prevent a cold, you are already on the right track. Because the well-known advice also applies to cold viruses – prevention is better than cure.

Furthermore, cold and flu viruses can only be treated therapeutically to a limited extent. Once a cold has broken out, the body has to deal with it all on its own – and this is usually associated with typical symptoms such as a scratchy throat, runny nose, cough, aching limbs, etc.. A cold can last for several days or even a few weeks.

In this blog post, we take a closer look at the best way to avoid catching a cold in the first place. Good luck with our tips!

Why do we catch a cold?

A cold or flu-like infection is usually caused by viruses (rhinoviruses, coronaviruses or adenoviruses). A flu-like infection is often colloquially referred to as the flu, but the real flu is caused by the influenza virus.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic at the latest, everyone has become painfully aware of the ways in which viruses can be transmitted – namely through direct or indirect contact with infected people.

Infection occurs in two ways – via droplet or smear infection. In the case of droplet infection, the viruses are released into the air when coughing or sneezing and absorbed via the respiratory tract.

A smear infection usually occurs via the hands – infected saliva or mucus from the nose or throat gets onto the hand and is then transmitted from one person to another via physical contact – or indirectly via objects, for example door handles.

How can I prevent a cold?

In contrast to the more pathogenic flu viruses (influenza) or the SARS-CoV-2 virus – for which adapted vaccines are constantly being developed – there is no vaccination against the common cold viruses because they change too quickly and produce new mutations.

In the event of an infection, the body must first get rid of the viruses. However, our immune system’s battle is accompanied by the familiar cold symptoms. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, however, we have been able to draw on some experience to reduce the likelihood of becoming infected with the relevant viruses.

And even though the SARS-CoV-2 virus is much more contagious – and also more dangerous in terms of the clinical picture – infection occurs in the same way. As a result, there was also a significant decline in normal colds and flu cases during the pandemic.

The well-known rules are therefore also helpful for anyone who wants to prevent a cold.

Tip 1 Preventing a cold: hygiene

The risk of infection can be significantly minimized through comprehensive hygiene measures. These include, for example, washing or disinfecting hands to interrupt the path of the virus in the event of a smear infection, or wearing masks to prevent droplet infection.

Tip 2 Preventing a cold: avoid crowds

You can also catch a normal cold through contact with other people. Excessive contact restrictions would of course be exaggerated when it comes to simple colds.

However, to prevent infection, it is helpful to avoid crowds or wear an FFP2 mask if you are in close quarters or in enclosed spaces.

Tip 3 Preventing colds: a healthy indoor climate

One important factor that can contribute to catching a cold is the quality of indoor air. And this is where we spend a lot of our time, especially during the cold season.

Heating dries out the air in the room. This has two effects – on the one hand, viruses can remain in the air for longer in this climate. In addition, the natural protective barrier of our mucous membranes in the mouth and throat is weakened.

Therefore, always make sure that the indoor climate is cool and contains sufficient humidity. This makes it harder for viruses and easier for your mucous membranes.

Tip 4 Preventing a cold: strengthen your immune system

You can also do a lot to strengthen your immune system. Regular exercise, preferably in the fresh air, enough sleep, a sufficient intake of fluids and a balanced and varied diet help the body to keep the immune system intact.

Important: Alternating showers or regular sauna sessions also support the body’s own defenses.

Tip 5 Preventing a cold: act at the first signs

When the first signs of a cold appear, the illness is far from being set in stone. If you act as quickly as possible at the first sign of a scratchy or itchy throat or nasopharynx, difficulty swallowing or a sore throat, you still have a chance of warding off the cold.

Drinking enough fluids, tea and other home remedies support the body, especially in the area of the mucous membranes, to prevent a cold if necessary. The next section tells you which home remedies are often used.

Tip 6 Preventing a cold: household remedies

With just a few ingredients, which you often already have at home, you can put together natural home remedies that can strengthen the body at the onset of a cold.

Warm teas support the body in its fight against viruses – teas with ginger, sage, thyme, ribwort, lime blossom, elderflower or camomile are particularly suitable for colds.

Inhaling steam in combination with a few drops of essential oils can clear the airways and moisturize the mucous membranes. Regular gargling with lukewarm sage or camomile tea is also beneficial for the throat.

A homemade onion syrup can give you relief from an annoying cough. And a warm curd compress around your throat also reduces swelling and relieves pain.

Extra tip: Nutrient Plus

But foods that are particularly rich in nutrients can also help the body to prevent a cold if necessary.

Colostrum, especially the cow’s first milk, contains over 400 nutrients in a balanced composition and with high bioavailability – including antibodies, natural growth factors, lactoferrin, vitamins, amino acids and many more.

Preventing a cold: our conclusion

If you want to prevent a cold, there are two things you should bear in mind: Firstly, observing hygiene rules and social distancing measures reduce the risk of catching a viral droplet or smear infection.

On the other hand, home remedies such as teas, but also a healthy indoor climate, sufficient sleep and a balanced diet can strengthen the body’s own defenses.

Special foods with a particularly high concentration of ingredients, such as liquid colostrum, create the best conditions for this.