Re: What are the best ways to prevent catching a cold?

Fred: There are no "sure-fire" ways to avoid colds, particularly when fall/winter arrive! As you know "colds" are caused by many different kinds of upper respiratory (head and throat) viruses; few are serious causes of disease, but most make you and me very miserable. I would recommend the following:

1. avoid large crowds when possible, since the "bugs" become air-borne easily and inhaling them is a good way to be exposed!
2. get plenty of sleep at night, eat food that is "good for you" (including fruit juices and fruits), and get regular outdoor excercise if dressed you are dressed warmly; actually these are wise preventitive steps for all kinds of health problems; we call them wellness steps.
3. daily vitamins are advised and they certainly won't hurt you, if taken in the recommended amounts
4. wash your hands frequently, since contact between your fingers and your nose, eyes, and mouth also increases the chances of exposing your body to these "villains."
5. finally, stay out of people's faces and don't eat and drink from utensils and containers, which have been used by other people until they have been washed well.