What is a Cold?
Viral infection that affects the throat nose and ears is referred to as a cold. Statistically, 200 and above distinct category of viruses cause common cold.
Colds are usually not very serious and they last a few days though in children, they may always lead to other infections.
Children of age of 3 and beneath for example catch cold often as compared to adults since their immune system is not always fully developed. Cold can be acquired intermittently owing the fact that viruses circulate.
How are Colds Spread?
A Viral infection that affects the throat nose and ears is referred to as a cold. Statistically, 200 and above distinct category of viruses cause a common cold.
- Colds are usually spread when one inhales the virus of an infected person who may have coughed or sneezed into the air. A person can also get cold when they are in contact with an infectious person either by touching or greeting them then touching themselves either in the eyes, mouth or ears.
- Cold is commonly transmitted at schools and daycares; this is simply because of poor hygiene and children with poor and under-developed immune systems.
- Viruses survive in most cases 18 hours and even more hence can exist in an environment for prolonged periods of time.
Various Signs of Cold
Having a cold simply means getting a combination of:
- Sneezing
- Occasional fever
- Runny and blocked nose
- Cough
- sore throat
- Fever
This signs and symptoms often last for less days hence most people normally recover fully without any ongoing problems for 7 to 10 days.
Green or yellow discharge from the nose may be observed in young children. In case of any fever or persistence of the discharge the child should be examined by the doctor.
When do I Need to Visit a Doctor?
For adults, it is not a must to visit a doctor for this condition if it doesn’t have any risk medical condition. Nevertheless, children beneath the age of 3 require to be monitored so as to ensure that the cold doesn’t advance to any kind of chest infections.
One should look for medical information if your child has serious signs such as:
- Frequent vomiting
- Breathing difficulty
- Continuous colored nose discharge
- Severe headaches
- High fever not responding to medication
Treatment of Colds
No definite medication can treat a cold but there exist some effective ways that can ease its symptoms.
- Talk to your chemist to advise you depending on your child’s or babies symptom.
- For adults, Paracetamol is the best for both fever and mild pains since it is a usual substance present in flu medications and fever.
Related Video On Colds