How To Fight With Common Cold?

The common cold is thought the most common illness in humans. I think all of you have definitely suffered from it sometime in your life.  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is also one of the most common causes of work and school absenteeism. 

Causes;

         Colds are caused by viral infections. The most common viral pathogens for the “common cold” are rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus and coronavirus. Over 200 different viruses are associated with colds.These viruses tend to have seasonal variations in their peak incidence.

Symptoms;

1. Sneezing

2. Headache

3. Low grade Fever

4. Muscle aches,

5. Runny Nose and Runny Eyes

6. Unproductive cough

7. Sore throat

               

             These symptoms may appear within 16 hours of exposure and usually resolve in seven to ten days but some can last for up to three weeks. In children, the cough can lasts for 10-25 days.

How the virus is transmitted?

           Viruses that cause colds are spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing of the infected person.

           Colds can also be spread by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by contact with infected persons and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Treatment;

1. Gargling with warm salt water can help relieve a sore throat.

2. Resting in bed

3. Drinking plenty of fluids (water, juice, chicken soup)

4. Taking medications 

How to prevent common cold?

             It is impossible to completely prevent the colds, but  there are some steps you can take to reduce your and your family's chances of becoming infected with a virus that causes colds:

1. Wash your hands regularly; it will reduce the chances of being infected with viruses.

2. Maintain a healthy life style; Adequate sleep, good nutrition and exercise are also very important.

3. Avoid or reduce stress; stress  plays important role in catching common colds by reducing the immunity of body.

4. Eating lot of fruits and vegetables can also result good.

5. Increase the intake of multivitamins.

6. Eat yogurt it contains certain beneficial bacteria that helps prevent colds.

7. You can also use face mask to reduce chances of getting viruses.

8. If a person has common cold you should maintain  distance form that person.

9. Use paper towels instead of sharing cloth towels

10. Don’t touch your face frequently, especially nose and eyes.

11. If you have common cold,while sneeze cover your mouth with tissue and immediately throw it.

               Children are most vulnerable because they have weak immune system as compared to adults, they can catch cold more easily. Take care of yourself and your family and enjoy healthy life.