Diseases can significantly affect a person's he alth and well-being, so it is easier to prevent them if possible than to take a mountain of drugs later. What is cold prevention? How and when to conduct it, and also, by what methods? Consider further.
Prevention Methods
There are many preventive methods for influenza, acute respiratory infections and SARS. Most often, diseases have a viral basis and depend on the season. It is known that not the viral or bacterial diseases themselves are fraught, but their complications. Any prevention of colds in children and adults can minimize the risk of developing pathologies and complications.
The main preventive measures include:
- antiviral therapy;
- taking immunomodulators;
- vaccination;
- protective masks in crowded places;
- strengthening the protective functions of the body by hardening;
- maintain personal hygiene.
Not all people are suitable for certain methods. Everyone chooses depending not only on personal preferences, but also on the state of their he alth in general.
Drugs
There are special medicines for the prevention of colds. They can be divided into direct-acting drugs (etiotropic drugs), immunomodulators (which increase the protective properties of the body) and symptomatic (taken already at the first symptoms of the disease).
Etiotropic drugs act on viruses and reduce their ability to multiply, but are the most toxic, so they are not taken on an ongoing basis. Immunomodulators stimulate the production of interferon, which fights viral infection, and are inexpensive. But taking them for a long time inhibits the protective functions of the body, and immunity cannot work without such drugs.
Most medicines should be taken after consulting a specialist for cold prevention.
Most popular drugs taken for prevention:
- "Amizon" - is taken for treatment and prevention from the age of 6, has a wide spectrum of action, is inexpensive, but users do not praise it as a means of prevention.
- "Arbidol" - is taken for prevention and complex therapy, you can give it to small children, but for the full course you need to buy several packs at once.
- "Remantadin" - used during the periodepidemics, 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, it will not protect against viruses on its own.
- "Grippferon" ("Nazoferon") - can be given to newborns as a prophylaxis.
- "Amixin" is an expensive drug, but it has a wide spectrum of action and positive user reviews.
- Oxolinic ointment is the most budget option, but it is not intended for the prevention of children under seven years old, and it also causes discomfort during use.
- "Virogel" - based on interferon, lubricates the inner lining of the nose, but is not intended for children and pregnant or nursing mothers.
How to increase the body's defense against colds?
Increasing immunity and preventing colds is directly related 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 is a 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. At least 2 liters of fluid, avoiding sugary soda and coffee, which slows down the digestion process.
3. Physical activity. Moderate physical activity and outdoor activitiesair, especially with a sedentary lifestyle, will strengthen the immune system and improve a person's well-being.
4. Fresh air indoors. Regardless of the season, it is important to ventilate the room where a person is most of the time. Thus, even if the viruses got into the room, they will not linger for a long time 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 chance of catching SARS or influenza.
Vaccinations as prevention
Vaccination has recently become one of the most common methods of preventing colds. It can protect not only from the influenza virus of certain strains, but also from SARS. Although there is still debate in medicine about the effectiveness of vaccinations and their protection against respiratory diseases.
Vaccination, by its nature, causes the body to produce antibodies against certain types of influenza. And then the body meets a certain strain of flu fully armed.
But there is a so-called universal method that can resist any viruses - interferon. It well protects the human body from both influenza and SARS, but it belongs to non-specific methods of prevention.
You can use both interferon itself and drugs that stimulate its production. It is used routinely when an epidemic is approaching,or urgently, when the person has already been in contact with the patient.
Folk remedies as prevention
As a prevention of colds, folk remedies that are available to everyone have proven themselves well.
Let's 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 a cold, but also as a preventive measure. Honey is not heated, because in this way it loses its properties, and lemon is eaten or put in tea with the peel, but without stones. Since in a lemon it is the peel that is valuable for its properties. By making 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. Here it is important to take into account 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 in the season of an increased number of diseases.
3. Vitamins. These can be pharmaceutical preparations, which are divided into products for children and adults and contain a daily allowance depending on the age of the person. It is important to start taking them in the autumn-spring period.
4. Hardening of the body. This method is not suitable for everyone, and you need to start itin advance, at least six months before the onset of a possible epidemic.
Conclusion
Prevention of colds for parents whose child has already brought home the virus 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 available preventive measures in order not to get sick.
