Common Cold: Easy to Catch but Not Easy to Get Rid of - Prevention is Key!
The weather changes with every season, but one constant in our environment is the common cold. This illness can strike year-round but is more frequent during rainy seasons, cold winds, and sudden weather changes, leading to a high number of cases. Whether it's a regular cold, sun-induced cold, seasonal flu, or new strains, they are all prevalent around us. To prepare for these changes, it’s essential to understand that the common cold affects both children and adults frequently. In some cases, the infection can become severe. Today, let's explore what the common cold is, its symptoms, and how to prevent it. We'll also discuss whether herbal remedies can help and highlight the new strains you need to be cautious about. Let's dive in!
- What is the common cold, and which strains should you be cautious of?
- Who are the high-risk groups for catching a cold?
- Is a sore throat from a cold dangerous?
- What are some herbal remedies for the common cold?
What is the common cold, and which strains should you be cautious of?
Every time the weather changes, the common cold seems to appear, bringing symptoms like a stuffy nose, runny nose, and sore throat. This has led many people to start paying more attention to their health. Today, let’s get to know more about the common cold so that we can better protect ourselves and stay healthy.
The common cold is an illness caused by a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, sinuses, and larynx. The viruses that cause colds are usually mild and the illness typically resolves within 1-2 weeks.
Causes of the common cold
The common cold is caused by a viral infection, with numerous types of viruses responsible for it. Most commonly, it is caused by a virus known as "Rhinoviruses." These viruses can enter the body through the nose, eyes, and mouth, or by being inhaled from the surrounding air. The common cold can also spread through contact with an infected person, such as sharing items or physical touch. Other factors can trigger the onset of a cold, including young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, or being in environments that increase risk, such as during the rainy or cold seasons.
In contrast, the flu, which often spreads during the rainy and cold seasons, is caused by the influenza virus. This results in a sudden onset of high fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue due to acute respiratory infection.
How the influenza differs from the common cold
While the influenza and the common cold share similar symptoms, the influenza tends to be more severe and lasts longer. Key differences include higher and prolonged fever, increased body aches, greater fatigue and sudden onset; the influenza usually comes on suddenly, unlike the gradual onset of a common cold. Influenza symptoms can last from 6 to 10 days and carry a higher risk of complications, so influenza patients may need hospitalization to monitor and prevent complications.
Influenza is classified into four main strains:
Influenza A Virus: This strain is further divided into two subtypes, H1N1 and H3N2.
Influenza B Virus: This strain is divided into two lineages, Yamagata and Victoria.
The influenza is a respiratory infection that spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected individual. Once the virus enters the body, it has an incubation period of 1-3 days. Treatment involves administering antiviral medications within the first 48 hours to reduce the duration and severity of the illness. Of the four strains, Influenza A is the most severe and dangerous. It can be transmitted from animal carriers to humans and from infected humans to others, with some cases being severe enough to result in death.
Causes of influenza
People can contract the influenza virus from airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can also be picked up by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, such as mobile phones or keyboards.
An infected person can spread the virus starting one day before symptoms appear and can continue to be contagious for up to five days after symptoms begin. Those with weakened immune systems may spread the virus for a longer period.
New strains of the influenza virus constantly emerge. Receiving a vaccine or having previously contracted influenza can help the body develop immunity. If the new strain is similar to an old one, the body’s existing antibodies can help prevent or lessen the severity of the illness.
Who are the high-risk groups for catching a cold?
We’ve discussed the different strains and their severity, now let’s focus on those who are more susceptible to catching the cold. Although anyone, regardless of gender or age, can be at risk if their immune system is not strong enough, certain groups are more vulnerable. The common cold spreads through virus transmission from coughing, sneezing, talking, and breathing by an infected person, as well as through saliva by sharing utensils or cups, or touching objects contaminated by an infected person who has coughed or sneezed into their hand. Here are the groups at higher risk:
Individuals with chronic illnesses such as liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease, and asthma.
- Pregnant women
- People over the age of 65
- HIV/AIDS patients
- Residents of nursing homes
Is a sore throat from a cold dangerous?
Persistent cough, throat irritation, and postnasal drip—many have experienced these symptoms, which medical professionals refer to as a sore throat. This condition stems from an infection caused by the common cold virus affecting the upper respiratory tract. Initially, the common cold infects the upper respiratory system, leading to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and fever. When the virus spreads to the throat, it can cause inflammation and soreness.
The difference between a sore throat caused by allergies and one caused by a cold is that a cold virus often induces fever and may result in thick, yellow, or green mucus, indicating an infection. Both viral and bacterial infections can cause these symptoms.
In most cases, the common cold, caused by a viral infection, is not severe and can resolve on its own through the body's natural mechanisms. Antibiotics or antiviral medications are usually unnecessary. Symptoms of a cold can be alleviated with fever reducers, pain relievers, cough suppressants, and decongestants, depending on the symptoms. In addition to medication, self-care measures can help maintain bodily balance and expedite recovery. These include:
- Getting adequate rest and sleep
- Consuming nutritious foods
- Drinking plenty of water
- Adjusting the temperature to feel comfortable
What are some herbal remedies for the common cold?
For those who are prone to feeling cold, have allergies (to air), or have difficulty adjusting to changes in temperature, extra caution is necessary, as catching a cold can be pretty easy. Therefore, it's important to take care of yourself, including exercising regularly and incorporating herbs into your diet to strengthen your immune system and prevent illness. The herbs are as follows:
Garlic
- Helps soothe a sore throat, has antibacterial properties, and promotes the body's immune system.
Red onions
- Aids in easier and clearer breathing.
Lime
- A highly acidic fruit full of vitamin C, helps reduce coughing and phlegm.
Ginger
- Helps alleviate coughing and expel phlegm.
Lemongrass
Helps alleviate fever, relieve headaches, reduce inflammation, and alleviate stomach pain.
Big onions
- Helps improve blood circulation and aids in expelling phlegm.
Chili peppers
- Helps sweat and detoxify the body.
Tamarind
- Helps alleviate symptoms of colds, coughs, sore throats, and dry mouths.
You can see that the cold, which is close to us all year round, even if it's the same old disease that's been with us all along, there are always new strains emerging. This requires us to take better care of ourselves because when the disease mutates, its symptoms become more severe. Therefore, we should prevent ourselves from getting sick by maintaining good health and hygiene, washing hands frequently, both before eating and after touching objects that many people have come into contact with, and not sharing items with others, which will help prevent the disease from entering our bodies.
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ที่มา : สืบค้นเมื่อวันที่ 22/11/66
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