Reasons You Could Get Sick Easily
It seems like every time you turn around, someone else in the office is coming down with a cold. If you're one of those unlucky people who seem to catch every cold that goes around, you may be wondering what's going on. Are you just unlucky? Is there something wrong with your immune system? Or is there another explanation? One possible reason is that you might just be in an unlucky environment. If you work in a job that puts you in close contact with other people, you're more likely to be exposed to the viruses that cause colds. This is especially true if you work with young children, who are often the source of cold outbreaks. Daycare workers, teachers, and healthcare workers are at especially high risk of catching colds from their patients or students (via PubMed Central).
You might also be getting sick more often if you don't take care of yourself. If you don't get enough sleep or eat a healthy diet, your immune system will be weakened and you'll be more susceptible to getting sick (via Self). This is especially true if you're under a lot of stress, which can also take a toll on your immune system. If you have asthma, allergies, or another chronic medical condition, you may be more likely to catch colds. This is because these conditions can weaken your immune system and make it more difficult for your body to fight off infection.
How to avoid catching a cold
Regardless of how hard you try to avoid getting a bug, you're probably going to get sick a few times in your life. However, there are many steps you can take to stay healthy throughout the year. According to The CDC, washing your hands often and thoroughly is one of the best ways to protect yourself from any virus, not just cold and flu viruses. You should also avoid touching your face, especially your nose, mouth, and eyes, as this is how germs can enter your body. It's also important to get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly to keep your immune system strong.
If you do happen to get sick, there are also a few things you can do to help ease your symptoms. For example, drinking lots of fluids, gargling with warm salt water, and using a humidifier can help relieve congestion (via Mayo Clinic). Taking over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also help reduce fever and pain. And finally, rest! Getting plenty of rest is essential for helping your body fight off the virus.