How to Avoid a Cold & Flu – Prevention and Main Causes

Are you stuck on your sofa with a packets of tissues? Is your head heavy as a rock, one of your nostrils is blocked, while the other is constantly running and the urge to sneeze is blurring your vision? While a Cold & Flu is not a serious illness, it can be a real pain! 

Is the Common Cold & Flu a Transferable Disease?

Yes, the common cold is a contagious virus. Contrary to what you might think, you’re actually more likely to catch a cold  from shaking someone’s hand than from kissing them.

How is the Cold Transmitted?

That’s because rhinoviruses, the main cause of Cold & Flu, are found in the mucus that passes through your respiratory system. They spread between people in two ways:

• By direct or indirect contact via contaminated hands and objects: Rhinoviruses can survive for hours to days on surfaces and for 2 hours on the skin. This is why the risk of contamination is high if you shake hands with a sick person or touch a contaminated object (computer keyboard, door handle, etc.) and then pass your hands over your face without washing them;

• By coughing or sneezing; in other words, by aerosols of contaminated respiratory droplets.

If the person is very sick, it is possible that some germs remain in their saliva and spread when they kiss someone, or when they share a drink. But the risk depends on the type of kiss that is given.

If it is just a simple kiss on the cheek, the risk of contracting the virus, or of contaminating those around you is very low. If the person exchanges other fluids, especially during sexual intercourse, the possibility of transmission increases considerably.

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Cold: What is the Incubation Period? How Long are You Contagious?

The incubation period (the period between infection and the onset of symptoms ) of a cold is approximately 48 hours. A person is contagious one day before symptoms appear.

How Long Does a Cold Last?

The common cold often lasts four or five days , during which time the person is contagious. But it can be contagious for up to a week, as the virus remains present in the nose. However, the risk is greatest in the acute phase of the disease, i.e. in the two or three days following the initial symptoms.

When is a Cold no Longer Contagious?

The duration varies from person to person, but generally, after about five days , the cold is no longer contagious. 

How Not to Catch the Virus

• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing , preferably with your elbow or a disposable tissue;
• Avoid handshakes;
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth (favorite entry points for viruses);
• Wash your hands frequently to eliminate the virus potentially present, at least 20 seconds, with mild soap. If you do not have access to a water point, use hydroalcoholic gel containing at least 60% alcohol;
• Remember to air your home every day (once or twice a day), for at least 10 minutes, to eliminate any viruses that may be present. This will also help limit indoor pollutants and respiratory allergens that irritate the mucous membranes and make them more vulnerable to viruses;
• Regularly disinfect everyday surfaces and objects that may be contaminated, such as doorknobs, toys and remote controls.

Rinsing your nose twice a day with a suitable solution also helps to flush out the virus, thus reducing the risk of contagion. Spray a spray of isotonic seawater into each nostril, tilting your head to the side, then let the water flow out and blow your nose.

Generally speaking, in the event of a cold & flu, it is advisable to reduce contact as much as possible, especially with vulnerable people.