What You Need To Know About The Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract mainly affecting the nose and throat.

They are also called Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) and usually last less than a week and are caused by different respiratory viruses.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 200 respiratory viruses can cause colds leading to signs and symptoms like running nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, headache, mild body aches and fever.

Many people tend to confuse between a flu and a cold, but in as much as they are both respiratory illnesses, they are caused by different viruses.

A Flu is caused by influenza viruses only, whereas the common cold is caused by a number of different viruses including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza and seasonal coronaviruses.

The signs of a cold may peak within 2 to 3 days of infection and can last for about 7 to 10 days, but for children and the elderly, they may take longer due to weak immune system.

Most of these respiratory viruses spread through droplets that an infected person releases when they cough or sneeze and they can into one’s body if they breathe them in or touch a contaminated surface and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

However, some viruses can also spread through close personal contact such as shaking hands with an infected person and then touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth.

Research shows that respiratory viruses can lead to complications like, middle ear infections, sinus effect which might show as blocked and stuffy nose, asthma attacks, bronchitis and pneumonia among other severe complications.

In Kenya, Common colds tend to peak during the cold season typically experienced from late June through to August because the viruses, which cause these colds, thrive in such conditions and it spreads very fast since during such weather, many people spend most of their time indoors in close proximity to others.

Most people with cold symptoms will not require specific treatment since the symptoms can go away on their own, and the infected persons can take steps to manage their symptoms and prevent spreading the virus.

Getting plenty of rest and keeping the body hydrated can act help one fight the cold with ease.

There is no cure for common cold, but according to CDC, people should use core prevention strategies such as staying up to date with immunizations, practicing good hygiene, preventing the spread and even seeking medical attention in cases of severe symptoms.