Common Cold – Symptoms and Causes

What is Common Cold?

A Common Cold is a very contagious viral infection that can be caused by different viruses. These viruses are constantly changing, so being immune to one does not guarantee Protection from future infection.

Symptoms of Common Cold

• The incubation period is approximately two days.
• Symptoms usually last for at least three days and gradually subside over the next three to seven days.
• Soreness and hoarseness in throat, feeling of fullness in forehead.
• Runny nose initially the nasal discharge is Colorless and thin, then becomes thicker and turns yellow.
• Sneeze.
• No Appetite.
• Mild fever, with Body Temperature Below 100 Degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius).
• Colds rarely cause complications. If you develop the following symptoms, you should see your doctor. These include pain in the face, one or both Ears; Difficulty Swallowing, Difficulty Breathing, Blood in sputum, or high fever lasting more than 48 hours.

Cause of Common Cold

• There are more than 200 Types of Viruses that Cause Colds, and they Usually enter the body through the nose or tear ducts.
• If you encounter cold or get wet, the body’s resistance will be weak and infection will occur.
• Stress, Overwork, Chronic illness, or Depression can Weaken Immunity and increase the likelihood of infection.
• Because the mucus in the Patient’s Nose and throat is filled with Viruses, it is easy to spread the virus by coughing and sneezing in a narrow space.

Treatment of Common Cold

• Try to lower your Body Temperature and Drink plenty of fluids to Prevent Dehydration. Do not wear too many clothes or cover too many blankets. The indoor Temperature should not be too high. Try to allow the body to dissipate heat as much as possible. Wiping the baby or child’s body with warm water can lower the body temperature and alleviate the condition.
• Drink more drinks, especially cold drinks.
• Take painkillers for pain and fever (children under 12 years old should not take aspirin if they have a cold, chickenpox , influenza, or any other viral illness).
• If your throat hurts, gargle with salt water several times a day (add a teaspoon of salt to 250 liters of warm water, but don’t swallow it.)
• Throat syrups and cough drops can relieve Symptoms of dry Cough and itchy throat.
• Use a cool mist humidifier, steamer, or take a hot steam bath to keep your nose clear.
• Don’t smoke, go to smoky places, and don’t use nose drops.
• Take a walk where the air is fresh.
• Get more sleep and rest.

To Prevent Common Cold

Colds, viruses may be Transmitted through handshakes, or may be lurking on Doorknobs, phones and counters, so you should wash your hands frequently, especially in autumn and winter when colds are prevalent. And pay attention to the following:

• Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands.
• Stay away from people who cough or sneeze.
• Drink more water and exercise more.
• It is easier to catch a cold when you are stressed, when you have an allergic reaction, or during your menstrual period. Try to get more sleep to Strengthen your Immune System, and be careful not to catch a cold when the weather is bad.
• Take an appropriate amount of vitamin C.