COUGH & COLD

The common cold is a self-limited contagious disease that can be caused by a number of different types of viruses

The common cold is medically referred to as a viral upper respiratory tract infection

Sign and symptoms

Common cold symptoms typically begin two to three days after acquiring the infection (incubation period), this may vary depending on the type of virus causing the infection. Individuals also tend to be most contagious during the initial two to three days of having symptoms. Cold viruses target mainly the upper respiratory tract (nose, sinuses, and throat). Symptoms and signs of the common cold may also vary depending on the virus responsible for the infection and may include:-

Stuffy nose or nasal drainage,
sore or scratchy throat,
sneezing,
low-grade fever
Headache
Earache

Body aches,
loss of appetite
Fatigue

Cause

Although many types of viruses can cause a common cold, rhinoviruses are the most common cause.
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 eating utensils, towels, toys or telephones. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after such contact, you’re likely to catch a cold.

Dietary and lifestyle change:-

1.Wash your hands often

Wash your hands often

Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds can help protect you from getting sick.

Avoid touching your face

Viruses can enter your body through the areas around your nose, mouth, and eyes. It is important to avoid touching your face if you are exposed to a person with a cold, especially if you have not washed your hands.

Don’t smoke

Don’t smoke

Smoking tobacco products irritates and damages the throat and lungs, and can worsen cold symptoms – which already include a sore throat and cough. Even secondhand smoke can cause irritation.

Use disposable items if a family member is infected

Use your own disposable plates, cups, and utensils and discard them after use if you have a cold.

Keep household surfaces clean

Clean all household surfaces frequently to keep them relatively germ-free. Viruses can live on surfaces for several hours after being touched by an infected person. Pay attention to the areas you touch most often and use soap and water, bleach, or disinfectant cleaners to wipe off doorknobs, keyboards, phones, remote controls, desks, toys, countertops, faucet handles, and drawer pulls.

Use paper towels

Cloth towels can harbor viruses for hours after being touched, just as many surfaces do. To avoid contamination, use paper towels to clean up in the kitchen and to dry your hands after washing.

. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

ØIt’s important to be healthy at all times so that if you do get a cold your body’s immune system is strong and can fight the infection. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, get enough sleep; take steam, etc.