What is a common cold?
The best way to deal with common cold-The common cold is caused by a viral infection of the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It’s normally innocuous, even if it doesn’t feel that way. A common cold can be caused by a variety of viruses.
A healthy adult might expect two or three colds each year. Colds may be more common in infants and young children.
The majority of individuals recover from a normal cold within a week or ten days. Smokers may experience symptoms that linger longer. A common cold, in general, does not necessitate medical care. However, if your symptoms do not improve or worsen, consult your doctor.
What Causes Common Colds?
The majority of colds are caused by viruses (known as rhinoviruses) that live in invisible droplets in the air you breathe or on objects you touch. If one of these viruses penetrates the protective lining of the nose and throat, it activates the immune system. This might result in a sore throat, a headache, and difficulty breathing.
Nobody knows why people get colds at particular periods of the year. However, regardless of what you hear, sitting or sleeping in a draft, not clothing warmly when it’s cold, or walking outside with damp hair will not create a cold.
Dry air, whether indoors or outdoors, can reduce resistance to viral infection. Allergies, lack of sleep, stress, improper diet, or being around someone who smokes can all contribute. In addition, smokers are more likely to acquire a cold than nonsmokers. Their symptoms will most likely be severe, persist longer, and are more likely to progress to bronchitis or even pneumonia.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Cold?
The initial signs of a cold are usually a tickling in the throat, a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. You may also have extreme fatigue, a sore throat, cough, headache, low fever, muscular pains, and lack of appetite. The mucus from your nose may thicken and turn yellow or green.
Who are at risk of getting common cold?
The following variables might enhance your chances of catching a cold:
Age. Colds are most common among infants and young children, especially if they spend time in childcare facilities.
The immune system is weakened. A chronic disease or a compromised immune system increases your risk.
The season. Colds are more common in children and adults in the fall and winter, although they can occur at any time.
Smoking. If you smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke, you are more likely to acquire a cold and have a more severe cold.
Exposure. You are more likely to be exposed to viruses that cause colds if you are in a crowd, such as at school or on a flight.
Is the common cold contagious?
Yes. Rhinoviruses can survive in the form of droplets in the air or on surfaces for up to 3 hours or longer. So, if you touch your mouth or nose after contacting someone or anything infected by one of these viruses, you’re likely to develop a cold (unless you’re already resistant to the virus due to prior exposure).
If you already have a cold, not washing your hands after coughing or sneezing increases your risk of spreading it to others. Going to school or engaging in typical activities is unlikely to help you feel any better. It will, however, increase the likelihood that your cold may spread to classmates or friends.
The duration of common cold after getting it
Cold symptoms often appear two to three days after being exposed to the virus. Colds are most infectious in the first 3 or 4 days after symptoms appear and can last up to 3 weeks. Although some colds might last up to two weeks, the majority clear up within a week.
The best way to treat a cold?
Although OTC cold medications cannot prevent a cold, some individuals believe they help alleviate symptoms.
They will not, however, help you improve more quickly. Furthermore, over-the-counter cold medications might induce stomach trouble or make you feel dizzy, exhausted, or unable to sleep. To assist cleanse your nose, use saline (saltwater) drops.
Your doctor can tell you if it’s safe to take an antihistamine or decongestant, but there’s little proof that they work.
What can I do to feel better?
Cold viruses, like all viruses, must run their course. Getting enough of rest and drinking plenty of water can help someone with a cold feel better just as much as drugs. Pay heed to what your body is telling you when you have a cold, whether you want to sleep all the time or just take it easy. A warm bath or heating pad helps relieve aches and pains, and the steam from a hot shower might make it easier to breathe.
Concerning whether to feed a cold or starve a fever, don’t worry. Simply eat when you’re hungry. You may have heard that chicken soup might help you get over a cold. There is no solid proof of this, although ill people have been swearing by it for over 800 years.
When Should I Visit the Doctor?
Teens who acquire colds are rarely really ill or require medical intervention. However, see a doctor if any of the following occur: If you suspect you have more than a cold or if you’re becoming worse rather than better, consult your doctor.
Is it possible to prevent colds?
Everyone gets cold at some point in their lives. However, you may improve your immune system’s ability to fight infections by exercising regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting adequate rest.
Although some individuals propose alternative remedies for colds (such as zinc and vitamin C in high quantities or herbal items like echinacea), none of them have been proven to successfully prevent or treat colds. Many physicians do not advocate herbal products since they might have undesirable side effects.