How to prevent the common cold? Part 2

Besides the flu shot, there is also the nasal spray known as Flumist. This inhaled vaccine is more useful in individuals between the ages 2-49 and helps protect against the same strains of influenza as the flu shot. Like the flu shot, the FluMist is also given on an annual basis. The FluMist is made of live but weakened flu virus and should not be given to pregnant women or individuals who have a weak immune system or those with chronic medical disorders.

Many studies exist which show that the FluMist can help reduce both the intensity and duration of common cold in children. Children with asthma should avoid the FluMist as it does tend to worsen the wheezing episodes.

Both the flu shot and FluMist are available from any health care facility, clinic or your private health care provider.

The other method of preventing the common cold is by practicing good hygiene. Always wash hands with soap or an alcohol based gel frequently. Washing should be practiced after touching inanimate objects or people. The other factors which help reduce or prevent the common cold are to eat healthy, exercise and avoid places where crowds congregate. Of course, this may not always be avoidable, but one should try and sit alone if using the public transportation system. The less you mix with the crowds during winter, the lesser is your chance of acquiring the common cold.

Th cost of flu vaccine or FluMist is variable but in most clinics it can be obtained from $20-$35. Medicare and many insurance companies do cover the cost of vaccination.

How to prevent the common cold? Part 1

Now that winter is here, it is better to prevent the common cold and remain healthy. There a few things that one can do to prevent the flu. These include:

Get the flu vaccine. The ideal time to get vaccinated with the flu vaccine is early in November. It takes the body at least 2-3 weeks to build up immunity to the common cold virus. The flu epidemic usually starts in mid December and runs through to end of March. If you do miss an early flu shot one can always get a later flu vaccine as the flu season is quite long.

All consumers should understand that the flu vaccine is not 100 percent guarantee against the infection, but it can definitely reduce the intensity and duration of illness. The flu vaccine is about 70%-80% effective in warding off the common cold in healthy people. The vaccine is less reliable or effective in elderly individuals. Health experts recommend flu vaccinations for individuals over the age of 50 because the flu shot has been shown to reduce risk of flu related complications like emergency room visits and hospitalizations.