Cold ailments: Signs, roots, complications, and remedies

Cold ailments: Signs, roots, complications, and remedies

The common cold, a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, is a familiar foe for many. On average, adults experience 2-3 colds per year, while children may have more [1]. Here's a closer look at the common cold, its stages, symptoms, and prevention methods.

The common cold typically progresses through three main stages over about 7 to 10 days. The early stage, which lasts for the first 3 days, is characterised by a tickle in the throat, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, cough, and hoarseness. These symptoms mark the onset of the infection as the virus begins to replicate and irritate the respiratory tract [2].

The active stage, from days 4 to 7, sees symptoms worsening or peaking. Additional symptoms may include body aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes a mild fever (more common in children). Nasal congestion and coughing are typically at their worst, reflecting your immune system's active response to the virus [2].

In the late stage, from days 8 to 10, symptoms persist but begin to diminish as the body clears the infection. Nasal discharge may change in colour, and cough might linger. Gradually, symptoms wind down and recovery ensues [2].

Preventing a cold involves taking some simple precautions. Avoiding close contact with someone who has a cold, washing hands regularly, and avoiding touching the face can help reduce the risk of catching a cold [3].

The cold spreads through droplets in the air and on surfaces. Over 200 different viruses can cause cold symptoms, with rhinoviruses being responsible for most of them [4]. People with a weakened immune system may develop more severe symptoms or a secondary infection [4].

The symptoms of a cold and the flu can be similar, but flu symptoms tend to appear more suddenly, be more intense, last longer, include a fever and body aches, and flu vaccinations are available [5]. If a person experiences symptoms such as high temperature, new continuous cough, loss or change to the senses of smell or taste, they should stay away from other people and seek medical advice [6].

Complications from a cold are most likely to affect those with a weakened immune system and include pneumonia and other secondary infections [4]. If a cold lasts longer than 10 days, a child is under 3 months of age and has a fever or lethargy, symptoms are severe or unusual, there is a high fever, or anyone develops breathing difficulties, they should seek medical advice [6].

There is no cure for a cold, but treatment can help manage symptoms. Drinking plenty of fluids, getting plenty of rest, and using over-the-counter medications can provide relief [6]. If people develop complications, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medication or antibiotics, depending on the type of complication [6].

It's important to note that the coronavirus that causes a cold is different from SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 [7]. Flu vaccinations are available from pharmacies or the doctor's office, and most people should consider having an annual vaccine to protect themselves [8].

In summary, the common cold progresses from mild initial irritation (early stage) to peak symptoms (active stage), followed by gradual symptom resolution (late stage) over about one to two weeks. By taking preventive measures and seeking medical advice when necessary, we can navigate the common cold more effectively.

References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Common cold. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351151 [2] NHS. (2020). Common cold. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/ [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Preventing the Spread of Respiratory Diseases. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html [4] American Lung Association. (2020). Common Cold. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/common-cold [5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Flu Vaccine. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm [6] NHS. (2020). Common cold - treatment. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/treatment/ [7] World Health Organization. (2020). Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19). https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses [8] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine and When. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2020-2021/who-should-vaccinate-when.htm

1. Many adults experience 2-3 common colds per year, while children might encounter more, according to Mayo Clinic.
2. The common cold typically progresses through three main stages over 7 to 10 days, as stated by the NHS.
3. The early stage of a cold lasts for the first 3 days, characterized by throat irritation, sneezing, and nasal congestion, as reported by the NHS.
4. Rhinoviruses are responsible for most common cold cases, as pointed out by the American Lung Association.
5. People with weakened immune systems may develop more severe cold symptoms or secondary infections, as mentioned by the American Lung Association.
6. Symptoms of the flu tend to be more intense, last longer, and include a fever and body aches, while flu vaccinations are available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
7. If a person experiences high temperatures, new continuous cough, loss or change in the senses of smell or taste, they should seek medical advice, as suggested by the NHS.
8. Complications from a cold are most likely to affect those with weakened immune systems, including pneumonia and other secondary infections, as noted by the American Lung Association.
9. There is no cure for a cold, but treatment can help manage symptoms, such as drinking plenty of fluids and taking over-the-counter medications, as suggested by the NHS.
10. If people develop complications, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medication or antibiotics, depending on the nature of the complication, as stated by the NHS.
11. It's important to note that the coronavirus that causes a cold is different from SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, as noted by the World Health Organization (WHO).
12. Flu vaccines are available from pharmacies or the doctor's office, and most people should consider having an annual vaccine to protect themselves, as suggested by the CDC.
13. Workplace wellness programs can focus on educating employees about common cold prevention methods, such as washing hands and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, as part of a broader approach to maintaining health and wellness in the workplace.
14. Medications like CBD may help relieve pain and inflammation associated with chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and neurological disorders, as suggested by some research.
15. Nutrition plays a crucial role in skin care and maintaining overall health, as diets rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help prevent skin conditions and promote overall well-being.
16. Aging can lead to various medical conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cognitive decline, making it essential to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress through therapies and treatments.
17. Women's health encompasses issues specific to females, such as sexual health, reproductive disorders, and mental health, making it essential to seek regular screenings and support when required.
18. Parenting can be challenging, and financial management, including saving, debt management, and budgeting, is just one aspect of well-being that parents must consider alongside their family's physical and emotional health.

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