A change in the weather can lead to several types of infections, and the most common one amongst them is cold and cough. Whenever the weather changes, most people tend to experience a sore throat or a cold, and children and the elderly are more likely to suffer from these conditions.

Here are some simple steps that you can follow to prevent the frequent occurrence of common cold and cough:

• Steer clear of food items that are deep-fried and pickled.
• Avoid close contact with people who have a common cold or cough as these infections spread quite rapidly from one person to another.
• It is imperative to not indulge in cold foods like ice creams, milkshakes, and cold drinks frequently.
• Wash your hands and face properly, especially before eating to get rid of germs that can cause the common cold.
• Getting flu vaccinations at timely intervals is yet another move that can help prevent the onset of cold and cough.
• Disinfect your bathrooms and kitchens on a regular basis and clean your house thoroughly to prevent the spread of the infection through indirect contact with infected surfaces.
• Indulge in a nice, warm shower when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed at night.
• Eat fresh meals that are moderately warm every day.
• Ensure that you drink enough water even during the winters although you may not be thirsty as dehydration can lead to several problems.
• Avoid exposure to dust as it could be a carrier of germs.

Simple home remedies to treat cold and cough
Even if you take all the precautions mentioned above, there is a chance that you may develop a cough or cold once in a while. Read on to find out about simple measures that you can adopt to deal with these conditions.

• One of the best home remedies to combat cold and cough is inhaling steam. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling hot water and inhale the steam to clear any nasal blockages.
• Brew a tea with spices like cardamom, ginger, and even garlic. This tea can provide relief from the symptoms of a cough and cold.
• Prepare piping hot soups and add some pepper or ginger to them to get instant relief.
• Chewing on holy basil leaves every day is found to be beneficial in providing relief from a cold.
• Yogic breathing exercises or Pranayam are also recommended to clear the nasal cavity. These yogic exercises go a long way in averting the risk of sinus infections and help in getting rid of clogged mucus.
• If you develop a cold and cough, get adequate rest for quicker recovery.
• Have a glass of warm water with a few drops of honey as well as lime. This drink is found to be effective in combating cold and in clearing the throat.