Most people catch a cold two to four times a year, usually in the cold winter months. The nose runs, the throat is sore and red and the head hurts. If it is a common cold, you usually get better within a week. However, the same symptoms also occur with flu-like infections and can sometimes only be combated by taking antibiotics.

Of course, the most sensible thing is to avoid catching a cold in the first place. How can I prevent getting a cold?

Tips for avoiding colds:

Avoid contact with people who already have a cold.
If contact with other people who already have a cold cannot be avoided, be careful not to touch your own eyes or nose after physical contact such as shaking hands, as this is the most common way of infection.

Avoid a stuffy, poorly ventilated atmosphere with lots of people in a confined space.
Wash your hands regularly, especially after blowing your nose.
Ventilate the rooms you are in well.

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water or tea, as they flush toxins out of the body.
Avoid inhaling cigarette smoke directly or indirectly. Cigarettes weaken the immune system and deplete vitamin C in the body, which is urgently needed to fight off the common cold.

Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and treat your body to vitamins.
Regular exercise strengthens the immune system, but during the acute risk of infection it is better to cut back a little and not overload the body.
Ensure you get enough sleep and rest.

Vitamin C tablets or powder can help to compensate for a possible vitamin C deficiency. In contrast to fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, water-soluble vitamin C cannot be overdosed, as the excess vitamin is excreted by the body.

Wash frequently touched household objects regularly with detergent and warm water.
Make sure that all household members use separate drinking vessels, flannels and towels.
A sauna visit once a week strengthens the body's defences. However, if symptoms are already beginning, it is better to avoid the sauna, as the body is busy defending itself against the virus and the sharp rise in body temperature is too strenuous for the body.

Try to reduce stress and take regular breaks to relax.

Echinacea juice (available in health food shops) helps to strengthen the body's defences at the first signs of a cold. However, echinacea has no proven preventative effect.

Don't be afraid of a possible infection. Fear creates stress in the body and increases the risk of infection.