HEALTH

Now that it's winter, you cannot *wait* to finally go ice skating with your besties. You're all bundled up, ready to head out the door, when you get that dreaded first sneeze. You're getting sick for the first time in months, even though you've been eating healthy and regularly washing your hands. Turns out, cold and flu viruses spike in the winter, causing more people to get sick.  

The common cold is caused by somethinng called rhinovirus. This virus, according to WebMD, peaks in the spring and fall, and the influenza virus (which causes the flu) peaks in winter. In the winter, people tend to spend more time indoors (with their heaters on) which can dry out their nasal passages, making it easier for cold and flu viruses to enter through your nose. The National Institues of Health says dry winters allow viruses to survive and transmit better. 

Some ways to beat the dryness of winter: nasal sprays and humidifiers. These can help ease dryness and breathing issues due to virus. Another way to prevent colds? Vitamins like vitamin C, zinc and echinacea. Some other ways to prevent colds are avoiding touching your eyes, mouth, or nose after touching germ-ridden surfaces like doorknobs, telephones, or shopping carts. Also, make sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

How do you prevent colds in the winter? Share with us in the comments. 

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by Julia Bonney | 12/4/2016