VISITING ANGELS ROCKWALL, TX (214) 703-8123
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Reducing Your Chances of the Common Cold

Reducing Your Chances of the Common Cold

More than 1 billion cases of the common cold affect individuals in the United States annually, according to the National Institutes of Health. In most cases, a cold is harmless, but it may have a more intense effect on seniors, causing more severe symptoms or long recovery time. While it’s hard to completely rid your chances of catching a cold, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and stay healthy this winter. 

What is the common cold?

Common colds are viral infections that affect your upper respiratory tract, which includes your nose and throat. Common cold symptoms can range depending on the infection, but it typically consists of a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, sneezing, a low-grade fever, and mild body aches. 

In most cases, you don’t need medical attention for a cold. However, older adults are more susceptible to complications because of a cold. They should visit their doctor if symptoms worsen with a lasting fever, shortness of breath, severe sore throat, or severe sinus pain. 

Tips for reducing your risk of the common cold

While it’s hard to eliminate your risk of catching a common cold, there are things you can do to keep yourself healthy. 

  • Wash your hands often. Keep your hands clean by washing them any time you return home or after working with raw meats or interacting with other individuals. You can also use hand sanitizer throughout the day if you’re away from home. 
  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Touching your face can increase your risk of contracting harmful particles. If you cannot wash your hands regularly, try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. 
  • Wear a mask when in crowded places. If you’re going somewhere in public that’s often busy, wear a mask to keep harmful bacteria and particles out of your system. A face covering is beneficial in an enclosed environment, like a store. 
  • Disinfect your home. Make sure you sanitize any surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, countertops, handles, and television remotes. It’s especially vital to disinfect your home if you’ve recently entertained someone sick. 
  • Don’t interact with sick individuals. If you live with someone sick, try to limit interactions to avoid catching their cold. It’s hard to turn down a visit from a loved one, but if you know your children or grandchildren have a cold, wait to visit with them until after they’re better. 
  • Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is vital to your overall health. Not getting enough sleep may increase your risk of a cold. Try to aim for six to eight hours of sleep each night. 

How Visiting Angels can help

If you’re an older adult living in Rockwall and need help with short-term care while recovering from a common cold, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our respite care services allow for short-term or temporary caregiving visits. Respite care is an excellent option if you don’t have a loved one to help care for you or if your family caregiver needs assistance while you are sick. 

Our Rockwall office works with seniors in Rockwall and the surrounding communities in Texas. Our team of professional caregivers can help with nonmedical tasks, including light housekeeping, medication reminders, personal grooming, mobility assistance, transportation, and more. If you’d like to learn more about our services, send us a message or call 214-703-8123.

Serving Rockwall and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels ROCKWALL, TX
506 N Goliad St #200
Rockwall, TX 75087
Phone: (214) 703-8123

Serving Rockwall and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels ROCKWALL, TX
506 N Goliad St #200
Rockwall, TX 75087
Phone: (214) 703-8123