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Sniffling and sneezing season is here-now despite what your mother may have told you,
going outside without a hat will not increase your chances of catching a cold.

The common cold is an upper-respiratory infection that is caused by a wide variety of viruses.
The viruses are transmitted usually from one person to another by hand-to hand contact. For
that reason, washing your hands frequently is the single most important thing you can do to
prevent the spread of germs. Most folks who suffer from a cold experience a runny nose,
congestion, and sneezing. Keep in mind- these viruses can also be spread by breathing in
particles from the air after an infected person has coughed or sneezed.

Now, there's no cure for the common cold-but there are some things you can do to make
yourself more comfortable as you ride it out.

First of all, drink plenty of fluids and get plent of rest. Gargling with warm salt water can
soothe a sore throat, inhaling steam may improve nasal congestion temporarily, and over the
counter cold remedies, such as decongestants and cough suppressants may ease your
discomfort. To relieve a runny nose and water eyes-you may want to try an anti-histamine-
just be aware some over the counter remedies may cause drowsiness. So make sure to read
the label.

One important thing to keep in mind is that antibiotics do not cure the common cold, nor do they
shorten the duration of your symptoms. So don't ask your doctor for an antibiotic -bundle up,
drink plenty of fluids..and remember what mom told you-have some chicken soup! Believe me,
it works-I love my mom's soup!