How to get rid of a cold and prevent the spread of viruses

You are always looking for the quickest way to get rid of a cold, and colds can be difficult to shake off, especially when people you are in regular contact with at work and home are also sick. Finding out how to get rid of a cold, and the best ways to protect yourself from those nasty cold-causing germs in the future, are just some of the pointers you will find here.

Be sure to use products like Handy Andy Ultra Hygiene to clean up after you, and those around you. This is a great way to prevent the spread of the virus making people ill while you try to find out how to get rid of a cold fast.

What are the top tips for how to cure a cold?

When it comes to knowing how to cure a cold fast, there are five top tips for you to follow:

1. Keep eating and drinking. The number one way to help your immune system when it is fighting a cold is to increase your intake of vitamin C and fluids.

2. Your body needs rest in order to allow its natural defences to do their work. Sometimes the best thing you can do is tuck yourself up in bed and sleep because being ‘brave’ and battling through it will only prolong your symptoms and is likely to make other people ill too.

3. Soothe your throat. There are a few ways that you can help to ease a cough and sore throat from tea with a teaspoon of honey, sucking on boiled sweets and even gargling with salt water.

4. Work out and sweat it out. Have you ever wondered why a fever is a cold symptom? Raising your body temperature is one of your body’s natural defences, as most viruses can only survive at around 37 degrees. Getting down to the gym will do the same job, by raising your body temperature, but you should exercise extreme caution so you don’t cause yourself further injury. If your cold has symptoms that affect your breathing, then avoid strenuous cardio workouts.

5. Have a chest massage. Massaging warm oil such as sesame oil into your chest and also your upper back can help relieve congestion.

How can you prevent the spread of viruses once you’re ill?

There are some important ways to help prevent the spread of viruses if you have fallen ill, including:

1. Ensure you are up to date on your vaccinations.

2. Know the importance of washing your hands frequently, especially before and after visiting someone who is unwell, as well as if you have coughed or sneezed into them.

3. Try to avoid coughing and sneezing into your hands, as this is the quickest way to spread the viruses to surfaces you touch. Instead use the crook of your elbow or a tissue.

4. Stay home if you are unwell so that you do not spread the virus to people at work or those you pass while out and about. This is especially important if your usual routine includes the use of public transport.

5. Clean the most touched surfaces (for example door handles, kitchen worktops, and bathroom surfaces) with disinfectant and bleach-based products like Domestos Multipurpose Thick Bleach.

Now you know how to treat a cold and stop it spreading, how can you protect yourself from getting ill again?

There are a few ways that you can ward off those nasty germs that cause colds to take hold. Be sure to:

• Keep plenty of protein in your diet. Protein is an important part of building up your immune system.

• Be aware of basic hygiene. Anything that gets touched by a lot of people is bound to be covered in bacteria and germs that can cause you to fall ill, so make sure you keep surfaces clean – even if they look like they already are.

• Keep your hands to yourself. Avoid touching public stair banisters and other surfaces that are touched regularly by other people, and likely to cause you to fall ill.

• Wash your hands regularly. Washing your hands, especially after you have come into contact with someone who is ill, is a great way to prevent you from catching any colds.

• Try to avoid touching your face. Rubbing your eyes, mouth and nose can pass any germs that are on your hands immediately into your system causing you to become unwell.

Knowing how to get rid of a cold fast is not always the most important thing. It is just as important to know how to protect others around you and help to prevent them from getting ill with the same viruses. Using these tips and tricks will help you to both product others and also avoid getting ill again in the future.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Ensure you try and eat as normal and stay hydrated; especially food and drink containing vitamin C.

• Be sure to use the right products to keep your home and work space clean and virus free; from cleaning your bathroom with Domestos Multipurpose Thick Bleach to wiping down your kitchen with Handy Andy Power Cream Active Shield Kitchen.

• As well as keeping the surfaces you touch clean, be sure to keep your hands clean!