When one person in your household catches a cold, it seems like only a matter of time before everyone else is sneezing and sniffling, too. Colds are very contagious and spread quickly through shared spaces and surfaces. Children, especially, pass germs easily through toys, hand contact and uncovered coughs and sneezes. But with a few smart habits and consistent care, you can help keep everyone in the family healthy.
If symptoms do start to spread, Coastal Urgent Care is here to provide professional, reliable treatment to help your family feel better fast. Here’s how to prevent colds from spreading at home.
Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of colds. Bacteria on surfaces can live for hours and be picked up through contact with everyday items like doorknobs, light switches or shared electronics. Encourage all family members to regularly wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after sneezing or coughing, after using the restroom and before touching food. A simple trick to help kids (and adults) know they’re washing long enough to kill germs effectively is to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. If soap and water aren’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good alternative.
When someone in the household has a cold, make sure personal items like drinking glasses, utensils, towels and pillows are kept separate. It might seem simple, but it’s easy to forget how often these items get shared among siblings. Use individual cups and toothbrushes and remind little ones not to share snacks or drinks with anyone else.
Germs can stay on surfaces like counters, remote controls and door handles for several hours. Disinfecting these high-touch areas once or twice a day can help prevent colds. Use household disinfectant wipes or sprays, especially on bathrooms and kitchen surfaces, as well as electronics, doorknobs and light switches. If someone in your household is already sick, regularly disinfecting surfaces becomes even more essential to help stop the spread of germs. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve, visiting an urgent care can ensure proper treatment and peace of mind for the whole family.
Teaching children to cover their nose and mouth when they sneeze or cough is another simple way to prevent colds from spreading. The best method is to use a tissue and throw it away immediately. If a tissue isn’t available, sneezing or coughing into the elbow rather than the hands helps keep germs from getting onto surfaces. Follow up with handwashing to stop germs in their tracks.
When a loved one is under the weather, your care and support can make a meaningful difference in their recovery. Here’s how to take care of a sick family member at home.
With care, compassion and a thoughtful plan, you can help your loved one feel supported and recover smoothly
Most colds are mild and clear up in about a week. However, if symptoms worsen or last longer than 10 days, it might be time to search for urgent care near you. Here at Coastal, we can help evaluate more serious symptoms like persistent fever, severe coughing or shortness of breath. We offer convenient walk-in visits and extended hours to make it easy for families to get the care they need when they need it most. Visit us today.