Herbal Remedies For Common Cold
The common cold, also refer as cold is a self-limited contagious infection of your nose and throat. It’s usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold. The common cold is medically referred to as a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Sore throat, sinuses, and larynx are usually the first signs of a cold, followed by coughing and sneezing.
For children younger than 6, Common cold is one of the leading reason of doctor visits and absent from school.
Causes Of Common Cold
Although more than 200 different viruses can cause a common cold, rhinoviruses are the most common culprit. Other cold-causing viruses may include:
- Human rhinoviruses
- Coronaviruses
- Parainfluenza viruses
- Adenoviruses
- Respiratory syncytial virus
A cold virus enters your body through your mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks.
It also spreads by hand-to-hand contact with someone who has a cold or by sharing contaminated objects, such as utensils, towels, toys or telephones. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after such contact or exposure, you’re likely to catch a cold.
Symptoms Of Common Cold
Generally Symptoms of a common cold take a few days to appear. Signs and symptoms, which can vary from person to person, might include:
Nasal Symptoms Include:
- Congestion
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Loss of smell or taste
- Sneezing
- Head Symptoms Include:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Watery eyes
- Headache
- Slight body achesWhole Body Symptoms Include:
- Low-grade fever
- Generally feeling unwell (malaise)
- Chills
- Chest discomfort
Risk Factors Associated With Common Cold
Following factors can increase your chances of getting a cold:
- Age. Children younger than 6 are more likely to develop colds. Their risk is even higher if they are in day care or a child care setting with other kids.
- Weakened immune system. Chronic illness or otherwise weakened immune system increases your risk.
- Time of year. Colds are more common in the fall and winter especially for children and adults.
- Smoking. Regular smoking can increase the chance of catching a cold.
Exposure. If you’re around a lot of people, such as on a plane, or at a concert or school, you’re more likely to develop colds.
Precautions For Common Cold
As common cold is a result of many viruses, it is difficult to develop a vaccine.However, there are some precautions to help you avoid the common cold virus. As follows:
- Avoid close contact with someone infected with a cold.
- Wash your hands regularly
- Eat plenty of vitamin-rich fruit like yogurt, or take a daily probiotic supplement to help keep the immune system strong.
- When you sneezing or coughing, always use a tissue and sneeze into your elbow so the germ don’t spread into your environment. After that discard the tissue in proper place and wash your hand.
- Keep surfaces in your home clean — especially in the kitchen or bathroom.
Don’t share drinking glasses or utensils with other family members. Use your own glass or disposable cups - Look for a child care setting with good hygiene practices and clear policies about keeping sick children at home.
