Common cold and the flu - prevention and remedies

[BCRoller]

With so many people worldwide often getting sick with the likes of the common cold and the flu (both, for the most part, preventable ailments), I am wondering, out of simple curiousity, what everyone here does to try and prevent these virus' from taking ahold of them and, in addition, if one (or the other) "does" happen to find it's way into your body, what do you do to try and fight them off once they are already there? Sorry if this sounds like a silly question but, in all honesty, it's something I have always been very interested in knowing because, being that the majority of these virus' could be completely wiped out simply by following certain criteria (ie: regular handwashing), it still flabbergasts me to this day as to why they are still so widespread. As for myself, I am very particular about washing my hands often and doing my best to not allow the spread of any germ(s) unnecessarily as, I figure, if I can prevent myself (or anyone else around me), from catching a cold or flu by following such a simple step, why on Earth wouldn't I do so? In my opinion, washing my hands (regularily) to keep those nasty germs away beats having to put up with what those nasty germs may bring....."a whole lot of unnecessary suffering that can last for days, or even weeks, on end" (not to mention that some actually die from them). Anyway, is there anyone else out there who sticks to a rather vigilant routine to fight off any bugs they may encounter or am I the only who does it almost obsessively? If anyone else would care to share what their feelings are on this, I would be more than a little interested in hearing what you have to say.

Thanx everyone.

Cheers!

[Susan]

I like to take vitamin C when I have a cold. it really works great! It can shorten a cold by a few days to a week. I think hydration, and taking vitamins is a great way to prevent colds. I also make sure to wear a heavy coat when It is very cold. There are many vaccines that can be useful also. I think good nutrition is excellent for preventing colds.