Should You Avoid People with Colds?

If you've ever been glared at by someone because you sneezed or blew your nose in public, no need to hide your face under a Snuggie. Chances are that person is more likely to catch a cold from a shopping cart or light switch than your airborne germs. In fact, trying to avoid people with colds is about as futile as teaching your dog to spell: you can try but, really- what's the point?

Although airborne cold viruses are contagious, most colds last an average of 10 days, an unrealistic amount of time for people to quarantine themselves at home watching "Law & Order" reruns and QVC. Whenever you're out in public, assume you're going to be exposed to cold germs, just as police officers expect to be shot at by criminals. Short of enclosing yourself in a bubble, you can avoid being taken hostage by cold germs with some soap, citrus fruits, and social skills.

How to avoid catching a cold rule #1: Wash your hands... a lot

One of the best strategies for preventing cold germs from invading your body, especially after touching notoriously germy objects, is frequently washing your hands. Pediatrician Susan Kahn told WebMD some of the biggest sources of germs are elevator buttons, light switches, computer keyboards, coffee pot handles and TV remote controls. Shopping cart handles are germ magnets, too-which could explain why many grocery stores now have cleaning wipes dispensers next to their shopping carts.

If you have recently touched a potentially germy object, avoid touching your eyes and nose until you have a chance to wash your hands. According to KidsHealth, rhinoviruses -- the type of virus that causes most head colds -- can stay alive in droplets in the air or on surfaces for as long as three hours.

How to avoid catching a cold rule #2: Build up your immune system

Since our bodies always contain disease causing viruses and bacteria, it would seem logical that we should be sick all the time. Fortunately, a healthy immune system will produce anti-bodies that prevent the bad guys from taking over, sort of like mini-Supermen fending off evil Lex Luthors.

According to WebMD, foods that are rich in anti-oxidants can help your body fight off cold germs. These cold-fighting foods include asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, carrots, chard, corn, grapefruit, green peppers, honeydew, kale, kiwi, mangoes, mustard greens, nectarines, nuts, peaches, red peppers, squash, spinach, strawberries, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and turnip greens.

Though pricier than the more common button mushroom, shitake mushrooms contain a powerful antiviral agent called lentinan that can help ward off colds. Garlic is also reputed to be a great cold fighter, (and even if it were not, garlic on one's breath will keep sneezers and coughers a safe distance away).

How to avoid catching a cold rule #3: Don't worry, be happy

As if you didn't have enough to be stressed out about, scientific studies suggest that stress can actually weaken your resistance to catching a cold. In one study reported by The New York Times, 276 subjects were exposed to the same cold virus. Those who had been under stress for more than a month were more likely to suffer cold symptoms than subjects who were more carefree. The study also found that people with more social connections were less likely to get sick. Even though they may be exposed to more potentially sick people, the mind-body health benefits from social support outweighed the increased contact with cold germs.

Ultimately, there is little point to avoiding people who have colds unless you want to live like a hermit. You could catch a cold as easily from the cook at your favorite restaurant (think Typhoid Mary) as from the sneezing co-worker in the next cube.

Practicing good hygiene techniques, boosting your immune system, managing your stress, and having a good social network will help you take control of your health and greatly decrease the chances of cold germs taking over your body.

Sources:

"Antioxidants and Your Immune System: Super Foods for Optimal Health," WebMD

Jane Brody, "A Cold Fact: High Stress Can Make You Sick," The New York Times

Julia Layton, "Are colds and the flu most contagious before or after you start showing symptoms?" Discovery Health

"Coping with Colds," KidsHealth