Health Vault with ASP Chiderah.
Common Cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory system, including the nose, throat sinuses, Eustachian tubes, trachea, larynx, and bronchial tubes.
In the 18th century, people attributed common cold to wet clothing and dampness in the air, which was a notion based on mere arguments and superstitions. Benjamin Franklin, who had a lot of interest in health matters took a likening into enlightenment reasoning and studying. He observed that sailors always wore damp clothing and were healthy. After considering the matter for years, Benjamin Franklin was able to deduce that people often catch a cold from one another when shut up together in small closed rooms, coaches and co., and when sitting near and conversing, so as to breathe into each other’s transpiration”.
There are however arguments that common cold came to be through camels, birds, and even cold weather.
Common cold also referred to as Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) and cold is usually tied to exposure to cold, but in fact, there are about 200 viruses that cause this infection; rhinoviruses, picornaviruses, and cold viruses and these viruses can enter through the mouth, eyes, and nose. Efforts made to create vaccines to that effect have proven difficult due to the nature of the viruses.
Children below the age of six are at more risk of being infected by the common cold than adults.
Transmission of the common cold could be;
- Via airborne droplets through
- Through direct contact
- Fomites through contaminated objects
- Sharing of personal items
FACTS ABOUT COMMON COLD
- Adults get an average of 2-4 colds per year, while children between the ages of 6-8 a year.
- The first common cold virus was identified in 1956 in England
- The average cycle of the common cold is about 7-10 days.
The symptoms of the common cold appear one to three days after the infection. These symptoms may include;
- Running nose/nose stiffness
- Cough
- Sneeze
- Sore throat/throat irritation
- Nasal and sinus blockage/ congestion
- Headache
- Chills
- Shivers
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle ache
- Congestion
- Malaise
The risk factors of common cold vary according to the severity of the condition, it could be;
- Lack of proper
- Psychological stress
- Weakened immune system
If left untreated, common cold could result in any of the following:
- Acute ear infections
- Asthma
- Sinuses infection
- Pneumonia
Generally, you don’t necessarily have to see a doctor to get treatment for the common cold, but where the symptoms persist or worsens, it is advised that one visits a doctor. However, any of the following treatment methods could be administered on the infected person;
- Drink lots of fluid e-g warm lemon water, teas, pepper soup, chicken soup, etc.
- Ginger: hot ginger tea is also a trusted treatment for cold, cough, and sore throat; crush fresh ginger and honey with warm water does the magic. However, it is pertinent to note that excessive use of ginger may cause heartburn or indigestion.
- Garlic: crushed garlic with warm water is a traditional method of treating cold that has been proven effective over the years.
- Decongestant nasal sprays: Adults can use the spray for few days; as prolonged use of the spray can have side effects; it is however advised that spray should not be used on children.
- Rest well
- Take menthol or throat lozenges to soothe sore throats
- Medicines as prescribed by a doctor
PREVENTION OF COMMON COLD
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water
- Use sanitizer
- Disinfect kitchen, bathroom, and surfaces.
- Sneeze into tissues and dispose of them properly
- Avoid sharing of items e-g utensils
- Avoid close contact with people that have cold
- Eat foods that boost immunity.
Quotable quote: The Four Horseman whose ride presages the end of the world are known to be death, war, famine, and pestilence. But even less significant events have their own horsemen. For example; the Four Horsemen of common cold are sniffles, chesty, nostril, and lack of tissue: the Four Horsemen whose appearance foreshadows any public holiday are storm, gales, sleet, and contra-flow.
SOURCES
- https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/influenza/facts-about-the-common-cold
- How to Get Rid of a Cold - Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatment (emedicinehealth.com)How to Get Rid of a Cold - Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatment (emedicinehealth.com)
- Common cold - Wikipedia
- Benjamin Franklin . Inquiring Mind . Medical Musings | PBS
- 7 Ways to Prevent the Common Cold - wikiHow Health
- Common cold - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
- 11 Popular Natural Remedies for the Common Cold (verywellhealth.com)
- Common cold | definition of the common cold by Medical dictionary (thefreedictionary.com)