 [ Symptoms ] how can i prevent a cold [ Disease ] hand washing both flu and cold viruses are transmitted through microscopic droplets from an infected person is respiratory system if people cough or sneeze into their hands without a tissue they can contaminate every surface they touch if you touch that same surface you pick up the virus if you rub your eyes or nose you have just infected yourself to protect yourself and prevent spread of cold and flu viruses wash your hands frequently use an alcohol based gel if you do not have access to water cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your hands wash your hands afterward when you cough turn your head away from others if you have a sudden sneeze bend your arm and sneeze into it do not touch your eyes nose or mouth wash any shared surfaces like phones and keyboards frequently viruses can live on surfaces for several hours stay away from crowds during cold and flu season