How to Fight a Cold

Every year Americans catch a billion colds and, according to Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, there is no cure.The common cold is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the membranes lining the nose and throat. Adults average two to four colds yearly and children can catch cold up to 10 times a year.

Infection

• There are hundreds of different viruses that can cause a common cold but the majority of colds are the result of rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. Rhinoviruses love the environment the mucous membranes inside your nose provide and rapidly multiply. You catch it by touching someone who has a cold, by inhaling the virus after someone with a cold coughs, or sneezes. Touching things handled by someone infected with a cold virus can also cause you to get sick.

Symptoms

• There isn’t a cure for the common cold yet. Researchers are working on possible ways to treat viral infections. Currently, the best you can do is treat the symptoms and try to rest until your body’s immune system fights off the infection. These include low-grade fever, headache, nasal congestion and dehydration. Those infected also commonly suffer from body ache, cough and sore throats.

An Ounce of Prevention

• One of the reasons that children seem more prone to catching cold in winter is that they are in school. They share toys, books and are in close contact with many other children. This allows the cold germs to pass from child to child more easily. The best way to fight a cold is to avoid getting one. Keep your immune system strong with a healthy diet and wash your hands regularly. Tufts University recommends frequent hand washing and the use of sanitizers to kill germs on hands and surfaces. Always remember to cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing and avoid close contact with people who have a cold.

Fighting a Cold

• Your mom was right, chicken soup does make you feel better when you have a cold. Hot liquids like chicken soup help you stay hydrated and the steam helps soothe nasal and throat congestion. Some other good natural ways to fight the effects of a common cold include drinking plenty of water and making sure to rest when you are sick. Over-the-counter medications can fight low-grade fevers, stuffiness, congestion and pain. Before giving any medication to infants or small children, it is best to consult your pediatrician. The best thing for both adult and child cold sufferers is rest and plenty of fluids. Your body gains more resources to fight off the virus and you’ll feel better sooner.