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Common Cold
What is the common cold?
The common cold is one of the most common illnesses, leading to more doctor visits and absences from school and work than any other illness every year. It is estimated that during a one-year period, people in the US will suffer one billion colds. Caused by a virus that inflames the membranes in the lining of the nose and throat, colds can be the result of more than 200 different viruses. However, among all of the cold viruses, the rhinoviruses and the coronaviruses cause the majority of colds.
When is the "cold" season?
People are most likely to have colds during fall and winter, starting in late August or early September until March or April. The increased incidence of colds during the cold season may be attributed to the fact that more people are indoors and close to each other. In addition, many cold viruses thrive in low humidity, making the nasal passages drier and more vulnerable to infection.
What are the symptoms of the common cold?
The following are the most common symptoms of the common cold. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
stuffy, runny nose
scratchy, tickly throat
sneezing
watering eyes
low-grade fever
sore throat
mild hacking cough
achy muscles and bones
headache
mild fatigue
chills
watery discharge from nose that thickens and turns yellow or green
Colds usually start two to three days after the virus enters the body and symptoms last from several days to several weeks.
The symptoms of the common cold may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is the common cold spread?
The common cold is highly contagious. It is often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by the contagious person and then inhaled by another person. Colds can also be spread by hand-to-hand or hand-to-infected-surface contact, after which a person touches his/her face.
How is a cold different from the flu?
A cold and the flu (influenza) are two different illnesses. A cold is relatively harmless and usually clears up by itself after a period of time, although sometimes it may lead to a secondary infection, such as an ear infection. However, the flu can lead to complications, such as pneumonia and even death. What may seem like a cold, could, in fact, be the flu.
Who is at greater risk for catching the common cold?
Children suffer more colds each year than adults, due to their immature immune systems and to the close physical contact with other children at school or daycare. In fact, the average child will have between 6 to 10 colds a year, while the average adult will get 2 to 4 colds a year. However, the average number of colds for children and adults will vary.
Prevention for the common cold:
The best way to avoid catching the common cold is to wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with people who have colds. When around people with colds, do not touch your nose or eyes, because your hands may be contaminated with the virus.
People with colds should cough and sneeze in facial tissue and dispose of the tissue promptly, and then wash his/her hands immediately. In addition, cleaning surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses can halt the spread of the common cold. Research has shown that rhinoviruses may survive up to three hours outside of the nasal mucosa.
How is the common cold diagnosed?
Most common colds are diagnosed based on reported symptoms. However, cold symptoms may be similar to certain bacterial infections, allergies, and other medical conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Treatment for the common cold:
Currently, there is no medication available to cure or shorten the duration of the common cold. However, the following are some treatments that may help to relieve some symptoms of the cold:
over-the-counter cold medications, such as decongestants and cough medicine
over-the-counter antihistamines (medication that helps dry up nasal secretions and suppress coughing)
rest
increased fluid intake
pain relievers for headache or fever
warm, salt water gargling for sore throat
petroleum jelly for raw, chapped skin around the nose and lips
warm steam for congestion
Note: Because colds are caused by viruses, treatment with antibiotics is ineffective. Antibiotics are only effective when given to treat bacterial infections.
Cold weather and colds:
Contrary to popular belief, cold weather or getting chilled does not cause a cold, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). However, more colds do occur during the cold season (early fall to late winter), which is probably due to a variety of factors, including:
schools are in session, increasing the risk for exposure to the virus
people stay more indoors and are in closer proximity to each other
low humidity, causing dry nasal passages which are more susceptible to cold viruses
Thats one of your three but Visit the links below eh, just random trivia to offer:
long ago, disease was believed to be caused by so-called "bad air" (air that didnt smell right). the name "malaria" comes from italian "mala aria" which means "bad air"
influenza's name originated when people believed the stars "influanced" life on earth. |
