Protect yourself from catching common cold

14-Jan-2009

Tags: Cold , Virus , Sickness , Sick , Fever Cold , Virus , Sickness , Sick , Fever , Health , Doctor , Cough , Sneeze , Prevention more less

The common cold is one of the most frequent infections. Most people can expect to have two to four colds each year. It is usually a mild illness lasting between two and seven days. Viruses cause the common cold and can you believe that over 200 different viruses can cause colds! The most common cold viruses are the rhinoviruses and corona viruses. The common cold is a viral infection of the lining (mucous membrane) of the upper respiratory tract including the nose, pharynx, throat and the tubes leading to the lungs.

The symptoms of a cold:

• Fever up to 39 degrees
• Runny or stuffy nose (often with green or yellow-colored discharge)
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Fatigue and muscle aches, pains 
• Headache
• Watery eyes

Causes of the Common Cold:

• The common cold is highly contagious and spending long periods of time with someone who has a cold will dramatically increase your chances of catching it.
• The cold virus is spread by tiny water droplets in the air from sneezing and coughing.
• If you inhale that air, you could be breathing in the virus.
• If you touch your eyes, mouth or nose after spending time with someone who is infected, you could also be spreading the virus.

Cold Prevention:

• Wash your hands often - your hands can easily pick up and spread the virus.
• Don't share drinks or eating utensils.
• Wash your children's toys with warm water and a disinfecting agent after play.
• Keep surfaces of your Bakersfield apartment and commonly touched objects like the phone and door knobs clean.
• Limit the amount of time you spend with those who are infected.

Avoid catching cold:  Because the viruses that cause the common cold are widespread and highly infectious, it is impossible to totally prevent infection. However, an infected individual can reduce spreading infection by:

• Covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Washing hands frequently.
• Not touching the runny nose and watery eyes.
• Avoiding crowded areas where the potential for spreading infection to many other people increased.

Treatment: Antibiotics have no effect on viral infections such as the common cold. Your body's immune system will produce its own antibodies against the virus so you can usually fight off the virus without taking additional medication.

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Keep warm.
• Tylenol will reduce a fever and ease minor aches caused by the illness.
• Get plenty of rest.
• A warm bath or heating pad to soothe aches and pains
• Hard candy or cough drops to relieve sore throat (for kids older than 3 years)
• Saltwater drops in the nostrils to relieve nasal congestion
• Mentholyptus sucking tablets will help soothe the sore throat and clear nasal passages.
• Panadol and similar drugs reduce inflammation and nasal congestion.
• Rub a lubricant such as Vaseline under the nose to reduce irritation caused by frequent nose blowing.
• Stop smoking as this irritates the mucous membrane of the nose.

When to see your doctor: If you have:

• A cold that lasts more than 10 days.
• Earache or fluid draining from your ear.
• Severe pain in your face or forehead.
• A temperature above 39 degrees Celsius (102F).
• Shortness of breath.
• Hoarseness, sore throat, or a cough that won't go away.
• Wheezing.

Colds typically only last one to two weeks, so if symptoms prolong or worsen, you should see a doctor. While the common cold is not considered a life threatening illness, it can be a real nuisance. So do take good care of yourself and your family especially in this terrible winter season.

(Source: citynews.ca, familydoctor.org, bakersfield.movingtoanapartment.com, vhi.ie)

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