Facts on cold

THE common cold is easily spread through the cold virus. Read answers to some questions about the common cold.
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
Although the flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, they are caused by different viruses. Because, they have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell them apart. Generally, cold symptoms are much milder than flu.
Why isn’t there a cold vaccine?
The common cold can be caused by nearly 250 different viruses. It’s just too difficult for scientists to prepare a vaccine that protects against all cold viruses. Also, there’s less need for a cold vaccine. Colds are minor infections of the throat, nose, and sinuses. They generally come and go with no serious complications. You’re miserable for a few days, then it’s over.
Could cold symptoms actually be allergies?
If you are sniffling, but not achy or feverish, you may very well have allergies. Also, if your symptoms last longer than two weeks, and you also have red, itchy eyes, the evidence points to allergies. However, it’s often hard to tell because people with allergies and asthma are more likely to get colds. They may already have inflamed and irritated lungs — so they are less able to fight off a cold virus.
What’s the best treatment for a cold?
There is no cure for the common cold. The most
important thing you can do is drink a lot of fluids to keep your body hydrated. This will help prevent another infection from setting in. Avoid drinks like coffee, tea, and colas with caffeine. They rob your system of fluids. As for eating, follow your appetite. If you’re not really hungry, try eating simple foods like white rice or broth. Chicken soup is comforting, plus the steam helps break up nasal congestion. Ginger seems to settle an upset stomach. A hot toddy may help you sleep, but beware of mixing alcohol with other cold remedies.
Over-the-counter cold medicines can offer relief from aches and fever. However, doctors no longer believe in suppressing lowgrade fever — except in very young and very old people, or those with certain medical conditions such as heart or lung disease. Lowgrade fever helps the body fight off infection by suppressing the growth of viruses or bacteria and by activating the immune system.

How effective are natural remedies like zinc and vitamin C?
Some studies show that zinc supplements help cut a cold’s severity and duration. But, other studies show that zinc is no more effective than placebo. As for vitamin C’s effects, a recent survey of 65 years’ worth of studies found limited benefit. The researchers found no evidence that vitamin C prevents colds. However, they did find evidence that vitamin C may shorten how long you suffer from a cold. One large study found that people who took a vitamin C megadose — eight grams on the first day of a cold — shortened the duration of their colds. To prevent colds the natural way, it’s best to make sure you’ve got a wellnourished immune system. Dark greens foods like spinach are loaded with vitamins A and C. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which fights inflammation. Low-fat yoghurt may help stimulate the immune system. Regular exercise — aerobics and walking — also boosts the immune system. People who exercise may still catch a virus, but they have less severe symptoms. They may recover more quickly compared with less healthy people.
Should I go to the doctor or get an antibiotic?

You usually don’t need a doctor or an antibiotic when
you have a cold. Colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. But a cold can turn into a sinus infection. If your sinuses become blocked and cannot drain properly, you can develop inflammation and a bacterial infection. An ear infection may also result from a bout of cold. Although sinus and ear infections can improve on their own, sometimes you need antibiotics to clear the bacterial infections from your body. Symptoms of an ear infection include ear pain, fever, and/or a feeling of fullness in the ears.
Symptoms of a sinus infection include a runny or stuffy nose, facial pain, and pressure, and headache.
Should I stay at home if I have a cold?
You’re contagious for the first few days of your cold, so it’s best to stay home. You need to be careful about coughing and sneezing around other people. Also, you will recover quicker if you get some rest.
How can I prevent a cold?
Wash your hands! Both flu and cold viruses are transmitted the same way — through microscopic droplets from an infected person’s respiratory system. Someone sneezes or coughs, and droplets are sprayed onto any nearby surface — including you! If people cough or sneeze into their hands (without a tissue), they can contaminate every surface they touch. If you touch that same surface, you pick up the virus. If you rub your eyes or nose, you’ve just infected yourself.

Tip: Drink a lot of fluid when you are down with cold

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