According to statistics, a normal adult can expect two to four colds a year, whilst a young child can expect around three to eight colds. The symptoms can last from anywhere from a couple of days to a number of weeks, especially with those with weak immune systems.
Symptoms of a Cold
According to the BBC Health website http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/commoncold.shtml), there are more than 200 different viruses that can cause colds. Often, they are spread through airborne droplets or particles and viruses are often left on door handles, furniture or other objects, which is why they are spread so frequently.
Usually, the first symptom the sufferer feels is a pain in the throat which is then followed by nasal congestion or pain, sneezing, a runny nose, and less common, headache, coughs, and feverish temperatures.
Prevention is Better than Cure
The best way to stop the spread of flu and cold germs is to prevent the viruses from attacking in the first place. As is often the case, the simplest of methods work the best. One of these methods is washing your hands with antiseptic soap, especially after going to the toilet and before touching food.
Always sneeze into disposable tissues that can be binned with one use. Handkerchiefs also work, but need to be cleaned on a regular basis after heavy use. Cleaning surfaces regularly with detergent is also an effective way of killing germs. If at work, clean keyboards and screens with alcoholic wipes. Some research shows that keyboards have five times more germs than an average toilet seat.
Treating a Common Cold
As ever with illness, drinking non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids will help as this replaces the fluid lost from mucus in the nose and sweating. Take plenty of rest, and only return back to work or school when normal activities can be completed without hindrance from cold symptoms.
Improving one's immune system is also an effective way of preventing colds. Fruits rich in vitamin C such as blueberries and oranges, and also vegetables and nuts are great at making the body resistant to viruses. Also, antibiotics do not work for colds. They do not help to treat viruses and may cause side effects.
The easiest way to treat a cold is with decongestants, painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin, menthol sweets and also nasal drops and vapour rubs. Old Grandma's remedies such as the anti-inflammatory properties in chicken soup, spices in a hot curry or echinea-rich herbal tea could also help sufferers.
Further Complications
There are further complications that can arise from the intense symptoms of a common cold, ranging from sinusitis (an infection of the cheekbones and forehead), and ear problems. With the swine flu epidemic gaining frequent press coverage and spreading a mild panic in Britain, it is important more than ever to prevent the spread of flu and cold germs.
Frequent hand washing, cleaning of surfaces and looking after the immune system by eating and drinking well should lead the average cold sufferer to recover and have a safe and happy winter. For more information, visit the NHS website:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cold-common/Pages/Introduction.aspx
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