Common Cold Welcome to the Affordable Drugs common cold information page. Educating yourself about the common cold is very important in dealing with this condition and finding cold relief. You can find information here about cold symptoms, cold viruses, how to prevent a cold and how to treat a cold. You can also find the best prices available on common cold medications. The information contained on this page is not intended to replace the professional advice of your physician.
What is a Cold? A cold is one of the most common health issues a person will have to deal with. The more you know about a cold, the more likely it is that you can treat it as early on as possible. This can save you a lot of time and can make everything from waking up to the morning to performing well in school and at work that much easier. The following includes some basic information regarding the common cold, how to spot it, and how to treat it. A cold is a condition that can be the result of over a 100 different viruses. This viral condition or disease is one that affects the mucous membrane of a person's nose. This is where your runny nose can come from when you wake with the common cold. A cold happens most often in cold weather. A person can expect to catch a cold as much as two or three times a year.
If you have a cold, then you are most likely contagious. The contagion period can last anywhere from a day before the cold began to a day or two after it is gone. Thus, it is important to try and get some rest, to stay away from people, and to drink plenty of fluids when you have a cold. Be cautious so that you do not spread the infection. Thus, wash your hands constantly, be sure to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and to not share food, utensils, or even clothing.
Often, the most common way to spread a cold is when the person infected touches a car's steering wheel, cup, or even a door handle when infected. Then, if someone else touches these items and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, the cold may infect them. If you have an infection, take the time to carry hand sanitizer and to constantly wash your hands.
The symptoms of a cold are fairly easy to spot. The most common symptoms are a sore throat, sneezing, running nose, headache, and coughing. If a child has a cold, chances are high that they will also experience a high temperature. Additionally, some folks with a cold may also deal with pressure in the ears.
If you want to avoid a cold, be sure to stay away from people who have been infected. Additionally, try not to touch your face after you have made physical contact with someone you suspect to have a cold.
If you or someone you know is suspected of having a cold, you should take the time to drink plenty of water. Additionally, to keep the mucous from building up, you should also try to sleep with a high pillow. Avoid any alcohol and smoking so that you do not irritate the mucous membrane in your nose or throat.
Common Cold Symptoms There are plenty of viruses that cause the common cold by infecting the upper respiratory system. Because your body is reacting to the intrusion of these viruses, congestion and sneezing generally typify the symptoms of the common cold. Because common cold symptoms resemble the symptoms of the flu, how do you determine whether you have the flu, or simply a cold? The most common cold symptoms include a mild fever, runny nose, scratchy throat, coughing, hay fever, body aches, lack of energy, headaches, and runny eyes. These symptoms do not attack quickly, as they only gradually manifest themselves throughout time. In contrast, flu symptoms occur suddenly and include appetite loss, nasal congestion, upset stomach, cold sweats and/or chills.
In general, the symptoms of a cold manifest themselves about 3 days after initial exposure. Sinuses can swell, excess mucus can build up in the nose, and there may be slight difficulty in breathing. Fever is usually quite mild, but in some cases, can reach up to 102 degrees for a short time frame, especially in young children. Cold symptoms can linger for up to 2 weeks, but most people get over their cold within 5-7 days. If the symptoms last longer than the 2 weeks, the problem may not be the common cold, but allergies may be the culprit.
Unfortunately, having a cold can lead to other conditions. For example, a cold can give rise to other bacterial infections such as sinus and inner ear infections. In these cases, it is recommended to take antibiotics to cure the problem. If prolonged high fever, sinus pressure and chronic coughing occur, it may indicate a more serious condition, and you should consult with your physician.
As you may already know, there is not a known cure for the common cold, but the symptoms of a cold can be relieved. Plenty of bed rest, drinking a lot of water, gargling, using cough drops, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can all play a part in getting over a cold.
How can you prevent a cold? First, you can try to stay away from others who have a cold, or avoid people who smoke. The virus can be transported through the air through coughing and sneezing - secondhand smoke can also allow the viruses to travel up to 12 feet! It is also advised that you wash your hands completely and as often as possible, and you should always cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing to prevent any further spread of germs. Do not use any linens, bath cloths, or silverware that has been used by someone who has the symptoms of a cold. And, common sense here - do not pick up kleenex that has been used. This is an effective germ spreader.
According to clinical studies, vitamin C and zinc are commonly used to prevent and shorten the duration of the common cold. They can also curb the severity of the symptoms. Pay attention to the quantities of these supplements as you take them - overuse can cause lots of problems and lead to other conditions.
So, there are your symptoms of a cold and how to best deal with and prevent any more colds. Be proactive and safeguard yourself so that you do not have to deal with the inconvenience of those pesky cold symptoms.
Cold Virus A cold is a minor infection of the throat and nose, and it is caused by a variety of viruses. Colds generally last for approximately a week, but they may last longer for anyone in poor health, the elderly, and children. The usual cold season extends from September to May, and adults average two to four colds annually, but children may suffer double that number and are also more likely to develop a fever. Since they are very contagious, colds are generally spread when droplets containing a cold virus are inhaled or transferred by touch. Within one to three days, various symptoms (which are more severe in smokers) will develop�including congestion, sneezing, a runny nose, a scratchy throat, and a weakened sense of smell and taste.
Treating a cold virus
Once cold symptoms appear, you can try over-the-counter remedies that will bring temporary relief. Experts in the field tell us that aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or some other drug that is non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory and used to relieve pain, may not suit asthmatics or those who have peptic ulcers. Those under the age of 18 should not be given aspirin because Reye's syndrome, a condition that is both rare and severe, may develop. An antihistamine, decongestant, or a combination of both, may be used to treat nasal discharge, cough, and congestion, but warnings on the package or label of any medication should always be heeded when treating a cold virus. (The dosage instructions that come with a medication should be followed carefully as well.)
Antibiotics are totally ineffective in treating a cold virus, and they should only be used if bacterial complications develop as the cold progresses. At times, a cold can be the pathway that allows bronchitis, or a sinus or ear infection to take hold, along with a persistent cough.
To ensure that the patient's liquid intake is adequate to keep the mucus moist and prevent the nose and throat from becoming dry, eight glasses water or juice are recommended on a daily basis, and tea, coffee, alcohol, and cola drinks containing caffeine should be avoided in order to prevent dehydration. In addition, inhaling smoke will cause throat irritation and induce coughing.
Future expectations
In the past, it was felt that one vaccine could never be developed for treating the various cold viruses, but researchers are now optimistic that some new approach may lead them to a cure.
How to Prevent a Cold With the advances in modern medicine, many people became enamored with cutting edge treatments such as antibiotics. That led to the over prescription of drugs that weren't helpful for viral conditions such as cold and flu. Today, people are more in tune with their health and well-being and want natural solutions that actually work. There is no cure for the common cold, so prevention is the key when avoiding this viral infection. Of course, the best cold prevention is to avoid contracting the virus in the first place. During cold and flu season, the first line of defense is always hand washing. Wash your hands frequently, especially after using a public restroom or working with children. Both these situations are loaded with potential germs. It's a great idea to keep a hand sanitizer or cleansing wipes on hand in case you can't wash well. Also, keep your hands off your face! Cold viruses are usually transferred from touching a surface and then transferring the infection through your eyes, nose or mouth. Finally, while polite society dictates that you cover your mouth when you cough, do not cough into your hands. This increases the likelihood of spreading the germs. Instead, cough into the crook of your arm, an area where few people touch.
Anything that improves the state of your immune system will decrease your likelihood of being knocked out by a bad cold. This is just one more reason to make the transition to a more healthy diet. Your immune system can't work if it has no resources, so feed your body well with a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It's also a good idea to stock up on immune building compounds such as Vitamin C and Zinc. In addition, make sure that you are getting plenty of water. Water not only helps your body function better, but an adequate amount can actually facilitate the flushing of toxins out of your body more quickly. People who exercise and don't smoke also have a lower chance of contracting a cold. Stress also weakens your immune system, so avoid stressful experiences or develop better coping techniques.
Your environment can also play a role and contribute to your chances of catching the common cold. During prime cold and flu season it's quite common to spend a lot of time indoors. Doors and widows remain tightly shut and the air is recycled through the heating system. With so many people in close proximity, it's inevitable that germs will spread. Crack the window during the warmest part of the day to allow air to circulate. Also, spend plenty of time out of doors when the weather allows.
Having a cold is no fun. The good news is that there are quite a few things that you can do to lower your chances of being infected this season. Pay attention to cleanliness, washing your hands frequently. Also, focus on building your immune system so that your body can fight any potential viruses it comes into contact with. Finally, get out and about. Fresh air is great for your health. With these simple suggestions, you can make it through the cold and flu season without being knocked down by a viral infection.
How To Tell A Cold From The Flu A normal person might experience up to a dozen illnesses each year. Both the common cold and influenza ("the flu") are respiratory illnesses and sufferers exhibit many of the same symptoms, although generally the flu is more serious than a cold. A cold and the flu are similar, but a careful inventory of symptoms and timing may help you to correctly identify your illness. One of the most distinct differences between a cold and the flu is the speed of onset of the illness. If your symptoms develop over a few days, in other words, if the term "I think I'm getting sick" applies, it is probably a cold. Flu has a rapid onset - fever, aches, and pains develop within three to six hours of the first sign of illness.
The initial symptoms also vary between a cold and the flu. A cold usually presents with a scratchy or sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose and sneezing. Over several days, a cold sufferer's watery nasal secretions often become thicker and darker and the patient may develop a hacking, mucus-producing cough. A sore throat, congestion, and sneezing are less common, although possible, with the flu and coughs are often dry and non-productive.
A fever and accompanying chills, on the other hand, is very common in cases of the flu, but less common with a cold, especially in adults. A temperature over 101� usually indicates a case of the flu. Vomiting and diarrhea are likewise associated with the flu and infrequently found in cases of the common cold.
Both a cold and the flu often include muscle soreness or joint pain, tiredness, headache, and chest discomfort, but with the flu these symptoms are typically more severe than with a cold. Exhaustion and achiness, in particular, are worse with the flu.
Cold symptoms usually last for about a week. The bulk of flu symptoms usually subside in two to six days, but lingering fatigue and weakness may last for two to three weeks after other flu symptoms have ceased. Flu complications, such as pneumonia, are more common and severe, but whether you have a cold or the flu, if your symptoms get suddenly worse or you have extreme pain or trouble breathing, contact a doctor.
How To Tell A Cold From The Flu A normal person might experience up to a dozen illnesses each year. Both the common cold and influenza ("the flu") are respiratory illnesses and sufferers exhibit many of the same symptoms, although generally the flu is more serious than a cold. A cold and the flu are similar, but a careful inventory of symptoms and timing may help you to correctly identify your illness. One of the most distinct differences between a cold and the flu is the speed of onset of the illness. If your symptoms develop over a few days, in other words, if the term "I think I'm getting sick" applies, it is probably a cold. Flu has a rapid onset - fever, aches, and pains develop within three to six hours of the first sign of illness.
The initial symptoms also vary between a cold and the flu. A cold usually presents with a scratchy or sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose and sneezing. Over several days, a cold sufferer's watery nasal secretions often become thicker and darker and the patient may develop a hacking, mucus-producing cough. A sore throat, congestion, and sneezing are less common, although possible, with the flu and coughs are often dry and non-productive.
A fever and accompanying chills, on the other hand, is very common in cases of the flu, but less common with a cold, especially in adults. A temperature over 101� usually indicates a case of the flu. Vomiting and diarrhea are likewise associated with the flu and infrequently found in cases of the common cold.
Both a cold and the flu often include muscle soreness or joint pain, tiredness, headache, and chest discomfort, but with the flu these symptoms are typically more severe than with a cold. Exhaustion and achiness, in particular, are worse with the flu.
Cold symptoms usually last for about a week. The bulk of flu symptoms usually subside in two to six days, but lingering fatigue and weakness may last for two to three weeks after other flu symptoms have ceased. Flu complications, such as pneumonia, are more common and severe, but whether you have a cold or the flu, if your symptoms get suddenly worse or you have extreme pain or trouble breathing, contact a doctor. Search for Cold Medicine Prices
How to Treat a Cold
Because the common cold is caused by a virus, there is no cure. A cold will go away in about a week and treating the cold symptoms it causes is the best approach. You may want to try home remedies and homeopathic treatments to make yourself or your patient as comfortable as possible.
A number of cold medicines are available that treat more than one symptom at a time, but your mother and grandmother probably had a lot of good advice for cold treatment that didn't involve medication at all. First, get comfortable and allow yourself to get some extra rest. This will allow your body to use its own defenses to knock out that virus.
Not only do fluids hydrate the body, making it more efficient in fighting disease, they also help thin mucous so it drains more readily. Using a humidifier can also help drain mucous and works as a wonderful cold treatment. Warm drinks and soup soothe sore throats and nasal passages. Drinking juices such as orange or apple provide vitamin C, which has long been thought to boost immunity.
People have been using spicy foods for generations to help clear the nose. The active ingredient in peppers is capsaicin. While causing the nose to run might seem counterintuitive, it actually helps clean out the virus. Another treatment for cleaning out a stuffy nose is dissolving a half-teaspoon of table salt into a cup of warm water. Rinse out each nasal passage separately. Some people find the use of a neti pot helpful when rinsing their sinuses with salt water. Use caution when blowing the nose because studies have shown that forceful nose blowing may cause irritation and force mucus further into the sinus cavities.
Treating a sore throat from a cold is most often done by using warm liquids. Chicken soup, herbal tea, or warm water with honey and lemon will soothe the throat. Gargling with warm salt water will also work, and may help remove mucus from the area. On the other hand, you may find cold temperatures to be a better cold treatment when there is a sore throat. If you feel like trying it, have a cold drink or a popsicle.
While it is unusual to have a fever with a cold, aches and pains are common. Along with bedrest, you'll find that a warm bath, heating pad, or a gentle massage with essential oils such as lavender or menthol will ease them. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke when you have a cold, as it will irritate a sore throat and stuffy nose.
Cold treatments such as Echinacea and zinc have been touted by homeopathic practitioners, but their effectiveness is not clear. Decide for yourself.
Finally, remember that it's important to avoid spreading the germs. You'll want to protect your friends and family so stay away from them while you're contagious. If that's not possible, wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, and don't shake hands, kiss, or hug others.
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