A few simple precautions can help fight the common cold

Whether riding the subway or sitting in a meeting at work, if someone nearby sneezes, coughs, or sniffles, it’s a good idea afterwards to wash your hands with soap and water to remove dirt and bacteria or use a generous amount of hand sanitizer to kill viruses. That is particularly true if you’ve touched shared objects, like a subway pole or a pen, said William (Bill) Hanage, associate professor of epidemiology at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health in an October 2015 Allure.com article.

If you have young children, teach them to wash their hands when they get to day care and get home, Hanage advised in the article. Other tips include:

  • Make sure you boost your immunity by getting enough sleep.
  • Exercise can help but don’t overdo it.
  • There’s no need to take a high dose of vitamin C, but take your vitamins. A moderate dose of vitamin A, through a pill or food, may help.

Read more tips in the article: Here’s How to Prevent a Cold, Says Science