Common Cold
The common cold is a highly contagious, viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory system, primarily caused by picornaviruses or coronaviruses.
Common symptoms are sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and coughing. Fever and extreme exhaustion are rare during a cold and are more usual in influenza. The symptoms of a cold usually resolve after about one week, but can last up to two.
Symptoms may be more severe in infants and young children. The common cold virus is transmitted between people by one of two mechanisms: Mainly from contact with the saliva or nasal secretions of an infected person, either directly in aerosol form generated by coughing and sneezing, or from contaminated surfaces.
The common cold usually resolves spontaneously in 7 to 10 days but some symptoms can last for up to three weeks. There are no medications or herbal remedies proven to shorten the duration of illness. The best way to avoid a cold is to avoid close contact with existing sufferers; to wash hands thoroughly and regularly and to avoid touching the eyes, nose, mouth and face. Anti-bacterial soaps have no effect on the cold virus; it is the mechanical action of hand washing with the soap that removes the virus particles.
There is no proven cure for colds or flu but time. We can try and prevent these viral infections by following some of these steps.
Common symptoms are sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and coughing. Fever and extreme exhaustion are rare during a cold and are more usual in influenza. The symptoms of a cold usually resolve after about one week, but can last up to two.
Symptoms may be more severe in infants and young children. The common cold virus is transmitted between people by one of two mechanisms: Mainly from contact with the saliva or nasal secretions of an infected person, either directly in aerosol form generated by coughing and sneezing, or from contaminated surfaces.
The common cold usually resolves spontaneously in 7 to 10 days but some symptoms can last for up to three weeks. There are no medications or herbal remedies proven to shorten the duration of illness. The best way to avoid a cold is to avoid close contact with existing sufferers; to wash hands thoroughly and regularly and to avoid touching the eyes, nose, mouth and face. Anti-bacterial soaps have no effect on the cold virus; it is the mechanical action of hand washing with the soap that removes the virus particles.
There is no proven cure for colds or flu but time. We can try and prevent these viral infections by following some of these steps.
- Reduce stress as immune responses are compromised by stress and a weakened immune system is more prone to infections.
- Get plenty of sleep (seven to nine hours a night). Sleep deprivation can reduce your immune response.
- Eat a balanced diet and make sure you are getting your RDA for vitamin E and other antioxidants as well as B-complex vitamins and minerals.
- Over-the-counter medications are available to relieve the symptoms.