What is the Common Cold?

The common cold is a viral infection that most people experience at least once. Although the common cold disease typically causes mild symptoms, it can be a major nuisance and affect your child’s school attendance. Knowing the facts about this illness can help you keep calm and confident.

Common Cold: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Cold weather does not have only one cause of common cold disease, many viruses can cause a common cold, and the most common is rhinovirus. The rhinovirus is the most common cause of more than 200 types of viral infections which mainly cause the common cold.

Though treated as an insignificant issue, the common cold can develop complications which is particularly dangerous for persons with weak immune systems, young children, and the elderly.

In adults, the figure stands approximately 2-4 times per year; in children, it may be as high as 8-10 times.

Causes of the Common Cold

The common cold contributors are viruses transmitted from one person to another through droplets in the air or directly from personal contact with an infected person. These are the main ways a common cold disease can spread:

• When a person with common cold sneezes, coughs, or talks the tiny droplets which contain the virus get out into the air. These droplets can transmit infection when inhaled by others.
• You can also get infected by the common cold virus by direct contact with things that carry the virus (e.g. door knobs, keyboards, some shared items) and then you touch your nose, mouth, or eyes.
• Close personal contact: Shaking hands, hugging, or kissing someone who is infected with the virus can pass it on to you.

Symptoms of the Common Cold

Most cold symptoms usually show up within 1-3 days after getting the virus and may last at least 7-10 days. While there can be a difference in symptoms from person to person, the most typical signs of common cold are:

1. Nasal congestion is the key symptom of a common cold. The nasal passages get inflamed which eventually leads to mucus forming.
2. Sore Throat: Irritation of the throat can cause discomfort which may result in a scratchy or sore sensation when swallowing.
3. Cough: A cold might lead to either a normal or a productive cough that originates from the chest (one that brings up mucus).
4. Sneezing: It is important to note that sneezing is a normal reflex aimed at clearing the nasal passage.
5. Watery Eyes: Your eyes may water and become irritated along with a runny nose.
6. Fatigue and Weakness: Even though colds are generally not serious, they can also cause fatigue and weakness in the body.
7. Headache or Mild Body Aches: Some people might have a headache or mild body aches, but it is not expected to be as severe as those caused by the flu.
8. Low-Grade Fever: Fevers are more typical symptoms in children, but adults may get a low-grade fever.

Diagnosis of the common cold

Normally, the diagnosis of the common cold is straightforward, relying on recognizable symptoms. A doctor visit is usually unnecessary unless the symptoms continue for over ten days. Other more severe issues include a high fever, shortness of breath, or persistent cough, which is a sign of secondary infection or other complications (e.g., pneumonia/ bronchitis).

Treatment for the Common Cold

A virus causes the common cold disease, not bacteria, so antibiotics will do nothing to fight it. Instead, treatment involves managing your symptoms while your body gets better. Here are some of the most effective ways to cure common cold:

1. Rest and Hydration

Rest is vital, let your body get enough rest to get back to work. The immune system requires energy to keep the virus away.

Hydration: Drinking fluids helps thin the mucus, thus making it easier to expel the virus through coughing or sneezing. It’s important to avoid dehydration and drink nutritionally adequate fluids such as water, herbal tea, and soups.

2. Over-the-Counter Medications

Here are some medicines that can help relieve a cold. Take these medicines as per the instructions of your doctor.

Analgesics: Drugs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be taken for the relief of headaches, body aches, and fever. Always stick to the dosage instructions closely.

Decongestants: Nasal sprays or aspirin can help you are no stranger to a stuffy nose. Still, nasal sprays should not be overused for they may lead to a rebound congestion when used for more than a few days.

Cough syrups and lozenges: These remedy a sore throat or cough for the short term-they do not have consistent effectiveness.

3. Home Remedies for the common cold

Saltwater gargles: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and break down secretions.

Stream Inhalation: This is done by inhaling steam produced from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water in the nose to clear the nasal passages and also eliminate congestion.

Honey and lemon: This is a mixture of honey and lemon in warm water that can reduce a sore throat and is good for cough. (Note: Honey should not be given to children who are under 1 year of age because it can cause botulism).

When to See a doctor

Although most colds get well by themselves and do not need medical intervention, there are the following scenarios where you should seek medical advice:

– If your cold symptoms don’t start to improve after 10 days.

– If you experience a high-grade fever of over 101.3°F and it does not get better with the over-the-counter medication.

– If you experience difficulty breathing or chest pain.

– If you have a health condition, such as asthma, COPD, or a weakened immune system that could make common cold symptoms more serious.

 Preventing the Common Cold

There being no cure for the common cold, prevention becomes the best recourse. Embracing simple hygiene and lifestyle practices can help you a lot in decreasing your risk of catching a cold:

1. Wash Your Hands Frequently

Soap and water being used regularly is the best way of limiting the spread of the virus. It is advisable to wash your hands before eating, after touching dirty equipment, and when you cough or sneeze.

2. Avoid Touching Your Face

The virus can infect you through three main entry points: your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you don’t touch your face, then you greatly reduce the chances for the virus to get from your hands into these areas.

3. Maintain Good Respiratory Hygiene

When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue or elbow to cover your mouth and nose. Throw away the used tissues right away and wash your hands afterward.

4. Strengthen Your Immune System to fight the common cold

A powerful immune system can help you fight viral infections, including the common cold. You can better your immunity by:

• Eating a balanced diet with foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is important.
• Exercising regularly, and moderate physical activity can improve immune function.
• Sleeping Enough as it is necessary to give rest to the immune system.
• Managing stress, as chronic stress can suppress the immune response.

5. Minimize Close Contact with Infected Individuals

During cold seasons, or if someone in your household has a common cold, do your best to avoid close contact with sick people. This means not shaking hands, hugging, or sharing anything with someone who is ill.

Myths and Misconceptions

Among the most common myths about the cold is the one that says — if you get wet you will catch a cold, this has been proved wrong by science. Some of these are:

– Cold weather causes colds: Cold weather doesn’t make you sick, viruses do. The reason we have more of those viruses in circulation during winter is that we spend more time indoors huddled together in close quarters.

– Antibiotics can treat colds: Antibiotics work against bacteria, not viruses. When bacteria complicate a cold or bronchitis, it may cause a sinus infection, ear infection, or chest infection (pneumonia) which may need treatment with antibiotics.