What are the precautions for the common cold?

Generally, as a common respiratory illness, precautions for the common cold mainly include ensuring adequate rest, increasing fluid intake, maintaining a light diet, keeping warm, and preventing cross-infection. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Ensure adequate rest: During a cold, the body needs to concentrate energy to fight pathogens. Excessive fatigue can reduce immunity, worsen symptoms, or prolong recovery. It is recommended to reduce physical activity and ensure sufficient sleep each day to support the body’s recovery.

2. Increase fluid intake: Colds are often accompanied by symptoms such as fever and coughing, which can lead to fluid loss. Drinking plenty of warm water, lemon water, or light soups helps rehydrate the body, soothe a dry throat, thin mucus, and alleviate discomfort.

3. Maintain a light diet: Avoid spicy, greasy, raw, or cold foods, as these can irritate the digestive system and hinder recovery. Opt for easily digestible, mild foods such as porridge, noodles, and vegetables to provide essential nutrients without stressing the body.

4. Keep warm: The body's resistance is lower during a cold, and exposure to cold may worsen symptoms. Pay special attention to keeping the head, abdomen, and feet warm, and adjust clothing according to temperature changes to avoid getting chilled again.

5. Prevent cross-infection: Colds are mostly caused by viral transmission. Limit outings and avoid crowded places while sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and wash hands frequently to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Following scientific care practices and appropriately managing symptoms typically leads to recovery within about a week in most cases.