It is that time of year when everyone has a stuffy or runny nose, a bothersome cough, a sore throat, and a fever.

The common cold that is widespread during the rainy season, without a doubt, can make you feel down for a few days.

If you’re interested in the best methods to prevent the common cold and remain healthy all year? Take a seat and relax while reading this.

How to prevent common cold during the rainy season
Can vaccination help?

What is the cause of the common cold in the rainy season?

Viruses responsible for upper airway respiratory infections such as cough, catarrh, stuffy nose etc flourish in cold weather.

Those who become infected tend to spread it to others through sneezing and coughing into their palms or without covering their mouths.

The breeze helps to further disperse the viral organisms to other areas till they settle on surfaces. It is similar to how Covid-19 spreads.

Touching surfaces in public spaces such as handrails, tap handles, doorknobs, tables etc. are possible ways to get the virus into your system.

Why do people have cough and catarrh during the rainy season?

Several studies show people fall ill during cold weather for the following reasons:

1. The cold weather decreases the ability of our nose to defend the airway against bad organisms.

2. Lack of exposure to the sun reduces our body’s ability to produce Vitamin D, a very important factor that strengthens our immune system.

3. The rate at which viral microorganisms survive in cold temperatures is higher compared to hot weather.

4. Staying in a crowded space puts a person at risk of falling ill. This is why it is easy for catarrh and cough to spread among children because they spend time doing activities within a closed space e.g. classroom.

Here are 5 tips you need to consider to prevent cough and catarrh throughout the rainy period.

1. Practice good hygiene

Good hygiene involves proper hand hygiene and care of your environment.

Like Covid-19 precautions, you need to use your facemask in crowded areas and wash or sanitise your hands at all times.

Keep and maintain a clean surrounding by disinfecting surfaces such as toys, tables, etc. to limit the spread of microbes in your home and your office.

2. Eat Healthily

Eating foods rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oil, minerals and vitamins will help your immunity against infection.

Fruits like bananas and veggies like carrots can be substituted with non-nutritious snacks to benefit your body’s immune system.

3. Take enough water

You may not feel thirsty during the rainy period but it is important to be conscious of staying hydrated.

Drinking sufficient water helps to fortify our immunity. It also helps to remove toxins from our bodies.

4. Get sick family members treated

By getting your family members timely medical help when they fall ill, you reduce the chance of spread amongst others in the home.

An effective way to do this is by placing your family on health insurance which is available as low as #3500/month

5. Limit alcohol and caffeinated drinks intake

Alcohol and drinks containing caffeine cause dehydration during the cold weather since they make you urinate more.

You can make healthy alternatives to warm up yourself, such as green tea and soups (e.g. pepper soup).

Can Vaccination help?
Due to the numerous viruses involved, developing vaccines to prevent the common cold has proven to be challenging.

At the moment, there is no vaccine to prevent the common cold but practising the tips mentioned above will keep it away from you throughout the rainy period.
By Mercy Akinbinu
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