Avoiding colds and sneezes

DEAR DR. GOTT: My 80-year-old mother refuses to cover her mouth when coughing or sneezing. I just got sick in 24 hours of her coughing/sneezing fits and her flu. I live with her, so can’t get away from it.

My immune system is not good and I really work at hand washing and avoiding germs. Any suggestions?

DEAR READER: A cold is the most universal illness in humans and is the most common reason for work and school absenteeism. Viruses that cause colds are spread from person to person through droplets of mucus that enter the air from nasal passages. [Read more...]