Diseases can significantly affect a person’s health and well-being, therefore it is easier to prevent them if possible than to take a mountain of drugs later. What is the prevention of colds? How and when to carry it out, as well as what methods? Let's consider further.
Prevention Methods
There are many preventative methods for influenza, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections. Most often, diseases have a viral basis and depend on the season. It is known that not viral or bacterial diseases themselves are fraught, but their complications. Any prevention of colds in children and adults can minimize the risk of pathologies and complications.
The main preventive measures include:
- antiviral therapy;
- reception of immunomodulators;
- vaccination
- protective masks in crowded places;
- strengthening the protective functions of the body by hardening;
- maintaining personal hygiene.
Not all people use certain methods. Everyone chooses, depending not only on personal preferences, but also on the state of his health in general.
Medications
There are special medications for the prevention of colds. They can be divided into direct-acting agents (etiotropic drugs), immunomodulators (enhancing the protective properties of the body) and symptomatic (taking at the first symptoms of the disease).
Etiotropic drugs act on viruses and reduce their ability to reproduce, but are the most toxic, therefore they are not taken on an ongoing basis. Immunomodulators stimulate the production of interferon, which fights against viral infection, and are inexpensive. But taking them for a long time inhibits the protective functions of the body, and immunity without such means can no longer work.
Most medicines should be taken after consultation with a specialist on the prevention of colds.
The most popular drugs that are taken for prevention:
- "Amizon" - is taken in the treatment and prevention from the age of 6, has a wide range of effects, is inexpensive, but users do not praise it as a means of prevention.
- "Arbidol" - is taken for prevention and complex therapy, can be given to small children, but for the full course you need to buy several packages at once.
- "Remantadine" - is used during epidemics, but has a small spectrum of action, as it protects against only one strain of influenza.
- "Anaferon" is a homeopathic preparation that promotes the production of interferon, but is taken as part of complex therapy, will not protect against viruses on its own.
- "Grippferon" ("Nazoferon") - can be given to newborns as a prophylaxis.
- Amiksin is an expensive drug, but with a wide range of effects and positive user feedback.
- Oxolinic ointment is the most budgetary option, but is not intended for the prevention of children under seven years of age, and also causes discomfort when used.
- "Virogel" - based on interferon, lubricates the inner lining of the nose, but is not intended for children and pregnant or lactating mothers.
How to increase the body's defenses against colds?
Improving immunity and the prevention of colds refers directly to the revision of lifestyle.
It is important to consider the following factors in order not to catch the virus:
1. Nutrition. A balanced diet and a properly composed diet are the guarantee that the human body will receive all the trace elements and minerals it needs in its natural form.
2. Water balance. Water removes toxins from the body. A minimum of 2 liters of liquid, the rejection of sweet soda and coffee, which slows down the digestion process.
3. Physical activity. Moderate physical activity and hanging out in the fresh air, especially with a sedentary lifestyle, will strengthen immunity and improve human well-being.
4. Fresh air in the room. Regardless of the season, it is important to ventilate the room where most people are. Thus, even if viruses enter the room, they will not last long and will not infect the inhabitants of the apartment.
5. Personal hygiene. Disinfectants, antibacterials and frequent hand washing, especially after the street, will reduce the risk of a possible viral disease.
6. Public places. The more people, the higher the likelihood of catching SARS or the flu.
Vaccinations as prevention
One of the most common methods for the prevention of colds in recent years has become vaccination. It can protect not only from the influenza virus of certain strains, but also from SARS. Although in medicine there is still a debate about the effectiveness of vaccinations and their protection against respiratory diseases.
Vaccination in its specificity forces the body to produce antibodies against certain types of flu. And then the body meets a certain strain of flu fully equipped.
But there is a so-called universal method that can withstand any viruses - interferon. It protects the human body both from influenza and from acute respiratory viral infections, but it belongs to non-specific methods of prevention.
Interferon itself can be used, as well as drugs that stimulate its production. It is used as planned when an epidemic is approaching, or urgently when a person has already been in contact with the patient.
Folk remedies as prevention
As a prophylaxis of colds, folk remedies that are available to everyone have proven themselves well.
Consider the most popular and proven methods:
1. Honey and lemon. These two products are known to have antiviral properties. They are good to take not only during colds, but also as a prophylaxis. Honey is not heated, because in this way it loses its properties, and lemon is eaten or put in tea with peel, but without stones. Since the peel in lemon is valuable for its properties. Having made a mixture of the juice of one lemon and 150 g of honey and taking it three times a day for a teaspoon, you can strengthen the protective properties of the body. It is important to consider the individual tolerance of the components due to the high allergenic rates.
2. Vitamin C. It can be the same lemon, cranberry or lingonberry. These berries are a storehouse of vitamin C, which boosts immunity and helps not only fight a viral disease, but also prevent it. Compote or eating fresh natural berries is what you need during the season of an increased number of diseases.
3. Vitamins. It can be pharmacy drugs, which are divided into funds for children and adults and contain a daily rate depending on the age of the person. It is important to start taking them in the autumn-spring period.
4. The hardening of the body. This method is not suitable for everyone, and you need to start it in advance, at least six months before the onset of a possible epidemic.
Conclusion
Prevention of colds for parents whose child has already brought the virus home is an integrated approach. Regardless of the fact that the adult body has a higher ability to protect against viruses, it is important to combine the available preventive measures so as not to get sick.