Staying Healthy

How can I protect myself from getting the common cold?

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How does a cold virus spread from one person to the next? And what can I do to protect myself?

It is also possible to become infected by touching a surface, such as a tabletop or door knob, that someone with a cold recently handled. That is why washing your hands frequently during cold season is the best way to prevent catching or spreading the common cold. Another important way to avoid a cold is to keep distance between you and someone who has cold symptoms.

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