infections
Common Cold
Prevention of Common Cold
Because so many different viruses cause colds and because each virus changes slightly over time, an effective vaccine has not yet been developed. The best preventive measure is practicing good hygiene. Because many cold viruses are spread through contact with the secretions of an infected person, the following measures can help: People with cold symptoms and people in their household and workplace should wash their hands frequently. Sneezing and coughing should be done into tissues, which should be carefully disposed of. When possible, people with symptoms should sleep in a separate room. People who are coughing or sneezing because of a cold should not go to work or school where they might infect others. Cleaning shared objects and surfaces with a disinfectant can also help reduce the spread of common cold viruses. Despite their popularity,echinacea, zinc, and high-dose vitamin C (up to 2,000 milligrams per day) do not prevent or treat colds, nor does eating citrus fruits. 