SurvivalMedicineBlog

Preventing colds, flu, and allergy flares

Not medical advice. This is an archive article for general information when professional care is hard to reach. It is not a diagnosis, treatment, or cure. Read the disclaimer. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.

You cannot avoid every cold. You can make catching one, and passing one on, less likely. The same habits help during flu season.

• Wash hands with soap and water, especially after being in public and before eating
• Do not share cups, utensils, or towels with someone who is sick
• Cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home while you are feverish or newly sick
• Clean surfaces people touch often when someone in the home is ill
• Sleep enough and drink enough that you notice thirst before you are dried out
• For allergies, reduce the trigger you already know (pollen at the window, an animal, dust) rather than guessing at a new illness

Vaccination is a public health tool. Follow the advice of your clinician and health authorities. This site does not offer a substitute for vaccines and does not argue against them.

If someone is already ill, use the warning list on cold, flu, or allergies. Breathing trouble, dehydration, and illness in a young infant need care, not a longer wait at home.

Earlier versions of this series moved from prevention into herb and homeopathic dosing. Those pages now redirect here or to part 1.