An upper respiratory infection is a contagious infection that affects the nose, throat, and sinuses. The common cold is a type of upper respiratory infection like sinus infections and sore throats. Most adults tend to get two or three upper respiratory infections every year, usually in the fall and winter when people are spending more time indoors.

Follow These Six Steps

If you want to reduce your risk of falling ill during the colder months, take these steps to help prevent an upper respiratory infection.

1. Avoid close contact with someone who is sick. Upper respiratory infections get spread through direct contact and droplets in the air. Viruses can be spread into the air when someone sneezes or coughs.

2. Avoid touching your nose or eyes. Viruses can live on objects other people have touched, such as doorknobs. Wash your hands after touching anything a sick person may have touched.

3. Wipe down common surfaces in homes or offices, such as keyboards, phones, remote controls, doorknobs or door pulls, refrigerator handles, and countertops.

4. Use a humidifier. The dry air caused by indoor heating allows germs to survive indoors. If you keep the humidity level up in your home, viruses may be less likely to survive.

5. Make yourself less susceptible to illness by modifying your lifestyle if necessary. This may include quitting smoking, managing stress, drinking less alcohol, and getting enough sleep.

6. Gargle with salt water. Scientific research has confirmed that regular gargling can help prevent upper respiratory tract infections. In a study, people who gargled at least three times had significantly lower rates of upper respiratory infection. Even among people who did get sick, their symptoms were less severe. Try mixing a half teaspoon of salt into warm water, or use an over-the-counter salt water gargle.

Try Our Salt Water Rinse

If you do get sick, it’s essential to drink lots of fluids, get plenty of rest, and continue to use a saltwater gargle to ease any throat pain. Try our Gargle Salt Water rinse for instant relief that is 100% safe.