Our Main and Proven Methods to Fight Colds
The upper respiratory infection that mostly affects your upper respiratory organs such as nose, throat, sinuses, and trachea is commonly caused by a cold.
A cold is a contagious disease caused by over 200 different viruses.
The most prone to get a cold are children as they don’t have developed immune systems. However, adults also might expect to have two to three cold annually.
Usually, people recover in 7-10 days from the common cold.
In people who are smokers, a period of recovery can take a bit longer as smoking increases mucous production which can slow recovery.
Why this topic is important?
A cold is one of the most common viral conditions. 1 billion Americans have cold 2-3 times per year.
Due to ongoing pandemic, it’s very important to know to differentiate a cold from other viral infections and when to seek medical attention even if you just have a cold.
Some of the common causes of a cold are:
- Rhinovirus
- Coronavirus
- RSV and parainfluenza
Coronavirus which is responsible for pandemic and coronavirus which makes you get a cold are different types.
However, a cold is mostly caused by a rhinovirus. A virus that causes a cold enters through mouth, eyes, or nose. It is spread through droplets when a person who is sick coughs, sneezes, talks, or laughs. Also, it is spread by hand-to-hand contact, so it is very important to not touch your face.
What are the symptoms of a cold?
The onset of symptoms in a cold compared to the flu is gradual. The most common symptoms are:
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Fatigue and body aches
- Fever (usually not higher than 38.5)
Some of the early signs to make COVID-19 different from a cold are:
- Fever
- Chills and shaking
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of taste and smell
- Diarrhea
4 steps to fight the cold
1. Pain relievers
Acetaminophen or other pain relievers can be used for fever, headache. Use drugs the shortest amount of time in the lowest effective doses.
Do not give aspirin to children, especially if a child is recovering from the flu or chickenpox. Aspirin can lead to Reye’s syndrome in children, rare but serious conditions.
2. Rest
Stay at home and keep warm. Resting your body is the best way to fight a cold. Staying home will also prevent infecting others.
3. Hydrate
Drink plenty of fluids. Water, juice, lemon water are good options. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they dehydrate.
4. Soothe throat and decongest nose
A saltwater gargle and nasal decongest sprays can help mitigate and faster recovery
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You have a high chance to get a cold every year. Eat, sleep, drink a lot of water, practice physical activity to keep your organism in balance. In case your symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical attention.
