old can occur to anybody and at anytime of the year, but it is most common in late winter. The average child may have up to six colds a year, while adults have fewer. All of us have experienced the sore throat, runny nose, aching and general sense of misery that announce the onset of the common cold.Other familiar signals include a cough, headache and dry sore or sensitive breathing passages. The symptoms of both common cold and flue are often similar because both are caused by the same family of respiratory viruses. The viruses that cause cold and flue are spread by microscopic droplets from an infected person’s respiratory system. It may be possible to catch the virus before symptoms show via close contact such as kissing or sharing utensils. However, in general people need to have some symptoms, such as runny nose of cough, in order to be contagious. When your co-worker shows symptoms, he or she may indeed be spreading contagious droplets to your shared phone, doorknob of your office, or buttons on the fax machine.
There are several reasons children catch colds so often. In school they come in contact with lots of people, children and adults who may be carrying virus. Children do not always have good hygiene; they may wipe their noses with their hand instead of using tissue, they may cough and forget to cover their mouth, or they may not wash their hands unless reminded.
The cold may lead to more serious complications. A bacterial infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia may develop after a cold. The flue produces a moderate to high fever, aching muscles and acute fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhoea may also develop. Other complications of the flu, although rare, include inflammation of the brain or heart.
Prevention and remedies:
Since there are no known cures for colds and flu, prevention must be your goal.
Wash your hands often, particularly when you are around people who have cold and flue. If no sink is available, rub your hands together very hard for a minute or so. That also helps break up most of the cold germs.
Do not touch your face. Cold and flu viruses enter your body through the eyes, nose or mouth. Touching their faces is the major way children catch colds, and a key way they pass cold on to their parents.
Drink plenty of water and vegetable soup. Water flushes your system, washing out the poisons as it rehydrates you.
Eat foods containing phytochemicals. “Phyto” means plants and the natural chemicals in plants give the vitamins in food a super-charged boost. So put away the vitamin pill, and eat dark green, red and yellow vegetables and fruits.
Eat yogurt daily. Some studies have shown that eating a cup of low-fat yogurt daily can reduce your susceptibility to cold by 20-25 percent. Researchers think the beneficial bacteria in yogurt may stimulate production of immune system substances that fight disease.
Do not smoke in home and public places.
Get plenty of sleep and exercise to keep up your resistance. If you can teach yourself to relax, you can activate your immune system on demand.
Cut your alcohol consumption.
Get fresh air. A regular dose of fresh air is important, especially in cold weather.
Exercise regularly.
Herbal or lemon tea and hot water with honey will help relieve congestion.
Do gargles thrice a day.
Take steam both morning and evening.
Take steamy shower. It moisturises your nasal passages and relaxes you.
Avoid spicy food and eating out.
Sleep with an extra pillow under your head. This will help relieve congested nasal passages.
Remember, in serious condition, consult your doctor.
Dr Anil Dheer
