Common Cold, Cold Symptoms, Flu Symptoms, Common Cold Treatment, Head Cold, Cold Sores, Cold Prevention.

Common Cold, Cold Symptoms, Flu Symptoms, Common Cold Treatment, Head Cold, Cold Sores, Cold Prevention.

Common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by many different viruses. The most common virus known to cause colds is rhinoviruses. The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, sinuses, and throat.

What Causes a Cold?

Common cold is transmitted through direct contact with infected secretions, contaminated surfaces or by inhaling airborne virus after infected people sneeze or cough. Children are at a higher risk of getting colds as compared to adults.

Cold Symptoms

The Symptoms vary depending on the virus that has caused it and the underlying health condition of the infected person. Symptoms usually start between 1 to 3 days after you get infected with a cold virus.

Symptoms of Common Cold Include:

-runny nose
-sore throat
-cough
-fever
-nasal congestion
-sneezing
-hoarseness
-low-grade fever
-headache

Flu Symptoms

Flu is caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms of the common cold and flu are similar and therefore it becomes hard to differentiate between flu and common cold. However people with a common cold will only have mild symptoms while those with flu will have more severe symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and body aches, and body weakness. A common cold will not raise your temperatures above 101 degrees F, but a flu will.

Common Cold Treatment/ Common Cold Medication

Common cold is a self-limiting illness that can be managed at home. It has no cure. Medical treatments and natural treatments only help to relieve the symptoms of the illness while the body fights off the infection.  Over-the-counter medications may be used for relieving the symptoms of the common cold.

Common over-the-counter drugs such as throat lozenges, cough drops, cough syrups, antihistamines, and saline nasal sprays may help to relieve symptoms. Gargling with warm saltwater may also help to relieve sore throats.  Before using over the counter medications, its important to first Consult with a health care professional.

Read more on Home remedies for a cold here

Head Cold Symptoms

The symptoms of head cold include:

-sore throat
-cough
-low-grade fever
-stuffed or runny nose
-sneezing
-general ill feeling
-mild body aches or headache

Cold Sores

Cold sores are small sores, or blister-like lesions that develop on the lips or around the mouth. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus strain HSV-1 and normally clear within 7 to 10 days without treatment.

Cough

A cough is a reflex action that clears the throat of mucus or irritants. A cough disappears naturally within a week or two. You need to see a doctor if a cough does not improve after a few weeks as it may be a sign of a more serious illness.

Causes of a Cough

A  cough is commonly caused by a respiratory tract infection, such as a cold or flu. Infections caused by flu may take longer to clear up and may sometimes require antibiotics.

Read more on Home Remedies for a Cough here:

Cold Prevention

The following are some of the measures that one can take to prevent getting a cold infection.

-Try to avoid contact with anyone who has a cold.

-Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

-Sneeze and cough into tissues then discard them right away. wash your hands to prevent spreading virus.

-Avoid sharing utensils with the infected persons.

– Eat well, exercise and and get enough rest and sleep

When should you see a doctor?

You do not need to see a doctor for mild cold symptoms like a stuffed nose, sneezing, and coughing, however you will need to see a doctor if you have the following symptoms:

-fever higher than 101.3°F (38.5°C)
-severe sore throat
-trouble breathing or wheezing
-rash
-extreme fatigue
-severe headache
-A cough that does not go away

 

common cold

Disclaimer: The content in this article is for information only. Therefore, always consult a specialist for more information.