Coping up with the cold in winters

Medical dictionary defines common cold as a mild viral infection involving the nose and respiratory passages (but not the lungs).
For a layman, a common cold is the most grim of sicknesses, one for which the doctors have no clear cut treatment.

What causes common cold?

One of the most prevalent illnesses, common cold is caused by a virus that inflames the membranes in the lining of nose and throat.
Believe it or not, there are almost over 200 virus species which can cause cold. out of these, the rhino-virus and corona-virus are the culprits in majority of the cases.

Common cold and winters

Even though you can contract a cold throughout the year, but most likely colds occur during fall and winters i.e. from late August or early September until March or April, which has got nothing to do with the chills in winter.

The cold virus thrives in low humidity and closed environs. During winters, the humidity is low and dry and hence facilitate the growth of the virus.

Added to this people generally stay indoors and in close proximity; the weather dries up the nasal passages and consequently there is an increase in the vulnerability towards viral infections.

How to identify a common cold?

Every individual responds differently to the virus and shows different symptoms but a list of most common symptoms is compiled here;

• Stuffy, runny nose
• Irritable, delicate throat
• Sneezing
• Watery eye
• Soreness of throat
• Cough
• Muscular pain
• Headache
• Tiredness
• High temperature
• Mucus discharge from nose which changes in consistency from watery to thick and in color from white to yellow to green.

Always remember that the symptoms are only visible after two to three days of infection with virus and they may last from 2-3 days to few weeks.

Who is more liable to catch a cold?

Children suffer more colds each year as compared to adults. Children have immature and incompletely developed immune systems and are in close contact with other children at school or day care.

Common cold is highly contagious and the infection is airborne. It can also spread by hand to hand or hand to infected surface contact after which a person touches his or her face.

When to worry?

Colds though common can lead to secondary infections such as bacterial infection of middle ear and swollen glands, mucus producing cough or high fever requiring doctor's intervention.

Treatment of cold

There is no definitive treatment for common cold. Symptomatic measures to relieve the symptoms of cold are;

• OTC medications , decongestants and cough medicines
• OTC antihistamines, to suppress cough and dry up nasal secretions
• REST
• Increased fluid intake
• Medicine to relieve headache and fever (Paracetamol or Aspirin)
• Warm, salt water gargle for sore throat
• Apply petroleum jelly for raw, chapped skin around the nose and lips

There are no antibiotics for cold as it is a viral disease.

Some home remedies

Vitamin C and cold

Vitamin C (oranges, chilli pepper, bell pepper, guava, kale, mustard green, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels's sprouts, kiwi fruits, papaya and strawberries etc) is known to fight against infections and strengthen immune system.

Home tips

• Squeeze lemon and add some honey in warm water and drink this mixture twice a day [High Vitamin C concentration, it improves the body's resistance to cold]
• Prepare a decoction by boiling ginger, cinnamon, pepper seeds, cardamom, honey, few Tulsi leaves, few bay leaves in water till the color of water changes to a golden brown. filter the contents and drink the liquid while hot. [It helps in relieving from sore throat, congestion and also strengthens immune system]
• Boil cloves of garlic in water and sip it like hot soup [good for opening airways and facilitating breathing]
• Drink ginger tea [good for sore throat]
• Turmeric mixed with ginger and milk taken at night [helps in easing the cold symptoms]
• Inhale the vapors of hot water to which eucalyptus oil, apple cider vinegar or turmeric is added [it helps in loosening the nasal discharge and secretions]
• Heat mustard oil with a few garlic cloves, and rub this oil on nose, neck soles of feet and palm, and chest [it helps in relieving congestion]

Protect yourself!

Last but not the least as is said 'prevention is better than cure,' follow these;

• Wash hands frequently
• Avoid contact with people who have cold
• Clean infected surfaces with disinfectants

P.S. Do not self diagnose your condition. Common cold symptoms may resemble those of other severe medical conditions, so always see your doctor before taking any OTC medications.

OTC: Over the counter

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