What is common cold? Symptoms, protection and more information :
What is common cold?
What is common cold, know its causes, symptoms and prevention measures. Common cold is very common and it can happen to anyone due to slight change in weather. Common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It is usually harmless, but common cold can cause sneezing, watery nose and cold symptoms. Many types of viruses can cause common cold.
Children under 6 years of age are most at risk for colds, but even healthy adults can get the common cold two or three times a year.
Symptoms :
What is common cold? Know what are the symptoms of common cold? (Symptoms of common cold)
Symptoms of the common cold usually appear one to three days after exposure to the virus that causes the cold. Symptoms may appear different from each other in each person. It includes the following symptoms:-
- runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Congestion
- body ache or mild headache
- Sneeze
- Low fever
- feeling generally unwell :
- tiredness or general fatigue
- feeling cold
- chest discomfort
- difficulty taking deep breaths
- Thick and yellow or green fluid may flow from the nose.
Reason :
After knowing what is common cold, know the reason behind common cold. Many types of viruses cause the common cold. Cold viruses enter the body through mouth, eyes and nose. The virus spreads through droplets in the air when a sick person coughs, sneezes or talks. When we come in contact with a sick person, the fear of spreading the infection is greater.
How long does winter last?
The average common cold lasts anywhere from 7 to 10 days, but they can last as long as 2 weeks. Depending on your overall health, you may have symptoms for more or less time. For example, people who smoke or have asthma may experience symptoms for a longer period of time.
If your symptoms do not reduce or disappear within 7 to 10 days, make an appointment to see a doctor. It is also important to see a doctor if your symptoms start worsening after 5 days.
Protection from cold and cough –
Although it is impossible to completely prevent the common cold, there are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of you and your family getting infected with this virus –
Wash your hands often –
This is the best way to avoid cold and cough. In particular, wash your hands after returning home from a public place. If you wash your hands frequently, it helps destroy viruses that you get from surfaces used by other infected people.
Don’t smoke –
Cigarette smoke can irritate the airways and increase susceptibility to colds or other infections. Even exposure to secondhand smoke can give you (or your children) cold symptoms.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle –
While it’s hard to say whether eating well or exercising can prevent the common cold, a healthy lifestyle (adequate sleep, healthy nutrition, exercise) will help your immune system fight infections better.
Keep stress less –
Studies have shown that people who experience emotional stress have weakened immune systems and that stressed people are more likely to catch colds than non-stressful people.
