By Dr. Samuel Quinn
Question - Dear Dr. Quinn: I seem to get colds all the time. Is there anything I can do to prevent them? What should I do after I’ve caught one? FRUSTRATED:
ANSWER
DEAR FRUSTRATED: The common cold is the most frequent of all illnesses. At any given moment, about one out of every eight people has one. Most people get colds by touching things that a person with a cold has used. You can even catch a cold by shaking hands. So if someone you know has a cold, you should not use the same cups, glasses, dishes, or telephone.
Although there is no permanent cure for the cold, doctors believe that vitamins can help prevent one. Many doctors recommend vitamin C to prevent colds, and some doctors suggest that you take large amounts when you begin to get sick. Yet it is not really known whether vitamin C is truly helpful.
The body needs healthy food to fight a cold. If you have a cold, you should eat well, but not overeat, and you should drink lots of liquids, especially juices. Also be sure to get enough rest and stay warm. If your body aches, you can take one or two aspirins every four hours. Some research shows, however, that taking aspirin can make your cold last longer.
When you have a cold, you should also try to protect other people. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Put all your used tissues in a paper bag, and throw the bag yourself so that no one else will have to touch it. Wash all objects that you touch with very hot water before anyone else uses them.
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