Contagious

What is the common cold, symptoms, timeline, etc ?

The common cold is something that infects a huge number of people at any point of time, especially when the weather changes or it starts getting colder. Rare would be the person who has not been affected by the common cold. So, what is the common cold ? What are the symptoms, and what is the problems that it causes in people ? How long does the common cold last ?
Common cold is caused by a type of virus known as rhinoviruses, and is a actually a combination of problems that affect the nose and the throat (infection of these passages). Some of the symptoms of the common cold are also similar to the symptoms of influenza, and to some extent, that of mild ‘strep’ throat (which is not caused by a virus, but by a bacteria). In all these cases, proper medical attention can distinguish between them. One of the biggest problems in terms of perception about the common cold is that increased exposure to cold weather causes the cold, but this is not backed out by medical facts.
What are the symptoms of common cold ? Some of the most indicators are: cough, nasal congestion, low fever (normally does not cross 100°F, but can go upto 102°F), and a running nose. Then there are other indicators such as mild aches, scratchiness in the throat, changed voice (temporary change), and sneezing (that leaves you weak when you do sneeze) and also a slight pain in the back when you laugh heartily (you actually beg for people not to make you laugh). A running nose is mentioned, but it is actually one of the biggest indicators. And then you have some side effects that really effect you in terms of your efficiency: tiredness / weakness, headache, occasional muscle aches, tears in your eyes; these latter set of symptoms actually set you back a lot in terms of your capacity to do any kind of work (when I get a cold, I get all of these, and then do nothing but relax at home, since working is impossible when these effects of the cold are at their worst).
Initially, the nose running is very clear for the first few days, and then starts thickening (and getting colored) up over a period of time as the body gets into the infection fighting mode. These immune cells, manufactured by the body to fight the infection, also end up in the discharge from the nose and cause the thickening and coloring up of the discharge. This last bit is somewhat controversial, since many doctors apparently consider the thickening and coloring up of the discharge as an indicator of a bacterial infection, and prescribe antibiotics, but most medical personnel have met have confirmed that the discharge having a color is not an indication that there is a bacterial infection along with the viral infection.
Why do believe that more cold weather can cause an increased chance of the common cold. Well, this is because these weather conditions are actually more conducive for the virus that causes the common cold (and the humidity levels in the atmosphere is also lower).
I hope the above information helps people. Keep in mind however, that other problems such as influenza have some common symptoms with the common cold and if your cold problem is not going away, it is essential that you consult your doctor and get more scientific advice besides trying to read up on the internet.

| More

If you found this post informative, why not sign up to receive new posts ?
It's simple, and free, and you can even opt to receive by email:
Subscribe in a reader
Subscribe to Good Health Tips by Email

Common Cold – The common tips and tricks to prevent and treat common cold.

Common cold includes running nose, sore throat, coughing and sneezing. Many viruses causes common cold out of which rhino-virus is the most common type. The condition of the mucous that comes from the nose (commonly known as a runny nose) changes over a time period. In the initial days of the cold, the mucous is transparent, being just meant to wash germs from the nose. After a period of around two days, there is a fight back by the body’s immune system, which makes the mucous more white. As the helpful bacteria in the nose starts to come back, the mucous starts to get a tinge of green.

The symptoms of a common cold are running nose, sore throat, sneezing, watery eyes, headache and body aches, cough and stuffed nose.

For minor symptoms of common cold:
- Drink good amount of fluids and take a lot of rest.
- Take pain relievers and a decongestant but do not use if you have high blood pressure.
- For sore throat tea with honey relieves the dysphagia.
- Fresh air stimulates the circulation and provides oxygen to body.
- Lime Juice is the most effective remedy for common cold. Take a glass of lukewarm water and dilute the lime juice in it. You can add a tablespoon of honey to enhance its efficiency.
- Take steam for cleaning nasal and pre-nasal areas.
- Avoid the things that trigger cold.
- Try some breathing exercises for fresh air circulation.
- Wash hands very regularly.
- Do not touch your face, nose, ears, mouth as common cold spreads on touching.
- The disposable items should be used if someone in your family is infected.
- Maintain proper hygiene and healthy lifestyle.
- Emotional stress should be controlled.

Infection by cold viruses can be causes by either touching your skin or environmental surfaces that have cold germs on them and then touching your eyes or nose. It can also be caused by inhaling drops of mucus full of cold germs from the air.

See a doctor if temperature is higher than 100.4° F and the symptoms last more than 10 days and they are not relieved by over-the-counter medicines.

There is a common misconception that antibiotics can cure common cold. The fact is that antibiotics are used for treating a bacterial infection and not a viral infection. You should use antibiotics only when the doctor subscribes.

There is an important reason why colds are so common in children is because they are often in close contact with each other in daycare centers and schools.

What are cold sores? What are its causes and symptoms? How to prevent and treat cold sores?

Cold sores are painful blisters that are caused by virus. Cold sores are filled with fluid. They generally appear around the lips, nose or mouth. It is also known as fever blisters. These cold sores are sore, red and swollen. Colds sores have a tendency to recur in more or less the same place.
During first infection, there may be no symptoms at all, or there may be a fever and a sore mouth that clears up after 2–3 weeks. The virus often remains after the first infection. The virus travels away from the mouth using the nerves of the face as a pathway. When it reaches the clusters of cells at the end of the nerves (which are called ganglia), it stops. The herpes virus DNA then remains quietly in the ganglia. At a later date, herpes virus may travel down the nerves to the skin, causing a cold sore. The cold sore heals, and herpes virus retreats to the ganglion again. At a later date, herpes virus may travel down to the skin again, causing another cold sore (recurrence).

Causes of Cold Sores

- Cold sores are caused by a virus called Herpes simplex virus type 1.
- Cold sores is infectious and contagious that spreads from person to person through sharing utensils, razors, oral sex, towels and kissing.
- Low pH causes cold sores.

Cold sores can also be triggered by :
- Weak immune system
- Injury to the gums and lips
- Any kind of dental treatment or cosmetic surgery
- Fatigue and food allergies
- Mental stress and deep sadness

Symptoms of Cold Sores

- Mouth or tongue lesions and blisters in the mouth.
- Mouth ulcers and pain in mouth or tongue.
- Swelling on the lips and glands.
- Sore throat and difficulty in swallowing.
- Elevated body temperature.
- Dehydration.
- Nausea and headaches.
- Painful sores can be painful which makes eating, drinking and sleeping uncomfortable.

Prevention of Cold Sores

- prevention of triggers.
- Avoid skin contact with infected people.
- Usage of sun block and cleanliness and hygiene.
- Warm compresses or ice packs might prove effective to reduce the pain.
- Do not break or pinch the blister.
- Do not share any items, such as lip balm, utensils and towels.
- Keep your hand clean at all times and maintain personal hygiene.

Dietary considerations

- Avoid acidic and salty foods.
- Foods high in arginine such as chocolates, peanuts, grains, peas, seeds, oatmeal and whole-wheat are high in arginine should be restricted.
- Avoid tea and coffee.
- Eat vitamin A, C, E, zinc, iron and calcium rich diet.
- Eat fresh food with high antioxidants and high complex carbohydrates.
- Avoid processed food.
- Eat lots of fruits and green leafy vegetables.

Treatment of Cold sores

- Antivirals : Cold sore antiviral creams can shorten the duration of a recurrent infection if used properly.
- Over-the-counter medications : Their intended purpose is to relieve the symptoms of cold sores such as pain, itching, and burning.
- Apply ice to cold sores.
- Apply a tea bag which contains tannic acid to the area where a cold sore is forming because tannic acid possess antiviral properties.
- Coat a cold sore with petroleum jelly.
- Application of equal amounts of eucalyptus oil and bergamot oil, works wonders over the sore.
- Apply some aloe vera gel, to provide relief form itching, associated with cold sores.
- Lemon balm has antiviral properties.