The common cold
The common cold is caused by a group of viruses known as:
They produce upper respiratory tract symptoms we know as the "common cold". The incubation period is just 1-4 days, and symptoms often start with a scratchy throat, progressing to runny nose and sneezing. The virus causes inflammation of the mucous membranes, resulting in the sneezing and runny nose symptoms. Symptoms last for 2-4 days on average. In some cases, the nasal passageways become blocked, sinus pressure is experienced due to congested sinuses, resulting in facial pain and pressure, watery eyes, a sore throat, a dry cough, low-grade fever, watery nasal discharge, and a lack of energy.
Most colds are self-limiting and resolve on their own, however, they can turn into secondary bacterial infections like sinusitis, ear infection, or progress to a lower respiratory tract infection. The main mode of transmission is respiratory droplets from the nose and throat. It can also be spread by contact with the skin.
Immunity following a cold is short-lasting, because these cold viruses mutate so quickly that we never get the same strain twice. Colds are very difficult to prevent or avoid, particularly since there is no vaccination for the common cold. It has been shown, however, that you can build up your immune system by taking vitamin C and zinc.
The frequency of catching a common cold decreases with age, and they are far more common in infants and children. The average person experiences more than 200 bouts of the common cold over their lifetime! Treatment involves targeting the symptoms. Common treatments include:
- Rhinoviruses
- Adenoviruses
- Coronaviruses
- Parainfluenza viruses
- Echoviruses
They produce upper respiratory tract symptoms we know as the "common cold". The incubation period is just 1-4 days, and symptoms often start with a scratchy throat, progressing to runny nose and sneezing. The virus causes inflammation of the mucous membranes, resulting in the sneezing and runny nose symptoms. Symptoms last for 2-4 days on average. In some cases, the nasal passageways become blocked, sinus pressure is experienced due to congested sinuses, resulting in facial pain and pressure, watery eyes, a sore throat, a dry cough, low-grade fever, watery nasal discharge, and a lack of energy.
Most colds are self-limiting and resolve on their own, however, they can turn into secondary bacterial infections like sinusitis, ear infection, or progress to a lower respiratory tract infection. The main mode of transmission is respiratory droplets from the nose and throat. It can also be spread by contact with the skin.
Immunity following a cold is short-lasting, because these cold viruses mutate so quickly that we never get the same strain twice. Colds are very difficult to prevent or avoid, particularly since there is no vaccination for the common cold. It has been shown, however, that you can build up your immune system by taking vitamin C and zinc.
The frequency of catching a common cold decreases with age, and they are far more common in infants and children. The average person experiences more than 200 bouts of the common cold over their lifetime! Treatment involves targeting the symptoms. Common treatments include:
- Analgesics
- Fever-reducers
- Steam by cool mist or warm air humidifiers
- Hot drinks
- Cough drops
- Over the counter medications like decongestants, cough suppressants
- Ginger
- Throat lozenges