According to the Center for Disease Control, there are approximately 1 billion colds annually in the U.S. Children get an estimated 6 to 10 colds a year, and adults, an estimated 2 to 4 colds. So it’s important to tune into your body to help take steps to reduce its duration and severity.

As soon as you feel that first itch, tickle or tingle in your throat, pay close attention and give your body the attention it deserves to address these first symptoms of an ongoing cold. Early self-care is extremely important to help your body fight off a cold. Here are a few things you can and should do to help yourself to reduce the duration and severity of your next cold:

• Listen to intuition, or in this case your body, when you feel like you just might be coming down with a cold, don’t dismiss it
• Tuck yourself into bed or get comfortable on the couch to provide your body the rest it needs
• Begin taking your favorite Zicam Cold Remedy product at the very first sign of symptoms to shorten the duration and severity of your cold
• Drink plenty of water to stay properly hydrated
• Eat healthily to provide your body with the energy it needs
• Overall, treat yourself as though you are truly sick, thus giving your body the time and attention it needs to fight off the cold virus and feel better

Cold/Flu

Colds and flu are often spread by hand-to-hand contact. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after being exposed to viruses or bacteria.

To kill bacteria and viruses, wash toys regularly in warm, soapy water.

Frequently clean surfaces such as stair rails, telephones, counter tops, and door knobs to avoid hand-to-hand spread of viruses.

Make choices that promote strong immune function, such as switching from coffee to tea, eating garlic liberally, and adding yogurt to your diet.

Drink lots of water, which flushes toxins out of your body while re-hydrating your system.

Allergy

Stay indoors between 5 and 10 am, as that’s when pollen counts are usually highest.

Clear out any weeds or dandelions from the garden, as they can trigger allergies.

Keep your pets clean in the summer, as they tend to play in the yard and bring allergens into the house.

Don't use your attic fan during allergy season, as it sucks pollen into the house.

Use large, waxy flowers like lilies and tulips to decorate your house. Their pollen is too heavy and sticky to enter the air and cause an allergic reaction.

Don't over-water indoor plants. Soggy water sitting in a drainage tray creates ideal conditions for mold growth.

Congestion

A humidifier in your bedroom will release moisture and reduce mucous drainage while you sleep.

Drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated.

Avoid drinks that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, and cola, as these contain diuretics which could cause further dehydration.

If you are suffering from a blocked nose, prop yourself up in bed with pillows to help breathing at night.

Eat spicy foods such as hot chili or mexican foods that make your nose run.

Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. Once you’ve had an episode of cold sores, the virus stays in the body and may emerge as an active infection at or near the original site.

Wash your hands frequently and avoid direct physical contact with people who have a cold sore.

Exposure to extreme cold and sun can trigger cold sores. Use a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF on your lips and other susceptible areas.

Try and reduce personal stress levels by getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep.