It’s that time of year when folks are suffering from the common cold. Whether it’s their first of the season or a recurring bug that just can’t be kicked, it’s safe to say that germs are heavily among us. And unfortunately, those colds can affect us in more ways than we realize. Sure they make for a healthier immune system long-term, and they might allow us to get caught back up on some much-needed rest. But while it’s taking place, nothing sounds better than a clean bill of health. No matter how cozy and warm our sick beds may feel.

For many, the answer is not getting sick in the first place. By avoiding doctors’ offices, washing hands more frequently, or forgoing social norms like handshakes, we can eliminate the amount of germs we come in contact with. But no matter how many precautions we take, the common cold can still find a way. Because its germs travel by air – the trickiest of methods – even the most careful of flu season dwellers can still fall victim.

The scariest part, however, is just how they can affect our bodies.

What Can a Cold Do to the Body?

Depending on your symptoms, a cold can bring on a number of secondary issues. For instance, aches and pains that manifest in the bones. This can make it almost impossible to get cozy, as the pains sit directly where you sit and/or lie. Feeling under the weather can also make it difficult – if not impossible – to get proper nutrition. The right vitamins and minerals are needed to sustain everyday functions, meaning that without them, the body can be lacking in its abilities.

But what about the bones? The nuts and bolts holding our bodies together. When a cold takes hold, they too can suffer, if only secondhand. For instance, sitting or sleeping much of the day means bones and muscles don’t get as much movement. In fact, they might actually suffer from additional aches from slouching (AKA curling up under a blanket) for most of the day. Bones can also be jarred in or out of place from excessive coughing. If you think your abs get a work out from all that phlegm clearing, just think what the rest of the body is putting up with. And the longer a cough holds on, the more times bones are jolted throughout the day, possibly displacing them or interrupting one’s natural posture.

How to Better Prepare the Body During Sickness

Finally, overall health can be affected by a cold. Because the body rushes to adjust its focus (in order to get better, of course), outside functions might be affected. Of course, we rarely know what gets put on the back burner (unless there is a direct correlation to signify the change), which is why it’s important to attack wellness from every angle. This means taking vitamins, eating healthy, getting plenty of rest, and staying hydrated.

It’s also a good idea to stay moving, even when you’re not feeling up to it. By exercising, even slightly, you can help remove the toxins from your body by burning germ-holding calories or toxins. Though few choose to take this route – on account of not feeling well – it’s one of the easiest ways to get your body well.

Getting sick is never a welcome occurrence, especially when considering all the symptoms that come with it. But through all the added posture pains, sore muscles, and backtrack in healthy functions, it’s important to keep wellness in mind. By looking toward steps that make the body better, you can easily put that cold – and all of its symptoms – to rest.