When Common Sense (often thought of as Grandmother’s Common Sense) steps up and says “Hello,” it’s often good to take time to listen! Yes, I know, we are overloaded with advice about today’s cold and flu concerns, but when I read the following common-sense advice from an M.D., I thought it was some of the best advice I’ve seen so far, and wanted to share it with you — This even reminds me of my Grandmother! You may have read it already, but it never hurts to have a little reminder.

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years.  The following information given by Dr. Goyal, actually makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced:

1. Frequent hand-washing

2. Hands-off-the-face” approach Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat or bathe).

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t want salt).  Simple gargling helps prevent proliferation. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water.  Blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. Drink as much warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.