We must know that colds are caused by viruses. When we are exposed to the cold virus then we catch colds. It’s not due to cold climate or consuming cold stuff. We are exposed to the cold virus for the whole year but we catch colds only in a particular time, it’s not because of the virus because coming in contact with the virus doesn’t cause cold every time. You catch cold depending upon your immunity system.
WHAT IS A COLD?
The Common cold is a viral infection caused in your upper respiratory system. There are many types of viruses which can cause common colds. The common colds last for a week to 10 days but the condition is generally harmless.
Children under six are more likely to develop cold because of their weak immunity system.
HOW IT SPREADS?
- By airborne respiratory droplets present around
- By touching a contaminated surface
- By saliva like sharing food or drinks or kissing
- By skin contact like handshake or hugs
SYMPTOMS:
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Congestion in the chest and nose
- Mild body pain
- Fatigue
- Low fever
The symptoms generally appear within 2-3 days after coming in contact with cold causing virus.
HOW TO PREVENT GETTING COLD?
There are two key ways to prevent getting cold. First is to avoid coming in contact with the cold causing virus. And second is to make you immune system stronger. Some of the tips to prevent getting cold are:
- Wash your hands regularly: Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water in regular intervals throughout the day keeps your hands clean and avoids the risk of catching infection through hands.
- Remember that cold is a virus: The Common cold is caused y different viruses, so there is no way to kill viruses. So taking antibiotics won’t help in killing the cold causing virus.
- Use tissues: Always stay hygienic when you have cold. Cover your mouth and nose with tissues whenever you sneeze or cough and then throw the tissue immediately and clean your hands
- Do not touch your face: As cold causing viruses enter through your nose, mouth and eyes so keep your hands off your face to avoid catching virus.
- Avoid sharing: Do not share your utensils and eatables or any other personal products with other people to avoid getting infection from other people.
- Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold as close encounter with an infected person can infect you with the cold causing virus.
HOME REMEDIES TO GET RID OF COLDS:
Avoiding contact with cold causing viruses is illogical. No matter what you do, you will still be surrounded with the viruses and catch the infection. So it’s better to focus on making your immune system strong so that it can protect you from getting infected.
1. STAY HYDRATED:
Your primary immunity defense is the mucous membrane lining of your upper respiratory tract. These membranes function best when they are moist.
Drink enough water and do use steam to keep yourself hydrated from inside out. Drink fruit and vegetable juices to stay hydrated.
An adult should drink at least 8 ounce glasses of water daily to stay hydrated. So drink enough water throughout the day to keep your throat hydrated. Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks like coffee tea and alcohol as these dehydrate your body.
2. USE A VAPOURISER:
Use a vapourizer or humidifier at your home to keep the atmosphere in the home humid and moist at it helps reduce congestion.
3. DRINK WARM LIQUIDS:
Drink warm liquids like hot soup with some garlic or some ginger decoction as the heat in the liquid helps build antibodies which strengthens your immunity system and helps you fight cold.
4. EAT SOME GARLIC:
Garlic is an age old herbal medicine. Raw garlic has many antibacterial, anti fungal and antiviral properties which strengthens your immune system and helps in fighting diseases.
The pungent smelled organic compound found in garlic when crushed is produced when eaten raw helps combat cold.
5. EAT RAW GINGER:
Ginger works best when eaten raw as it has many antiviral and anti inflammatory properties which helps fight cold. Ginger also helps relieve sore throat, throat ache, headache and body aches. Ginger can also be used in tea, decoction or as ginger powder.
6. ALWAYS STAY POSITIVE:
When you stay positive, you have a better immunity system and do not tend to catch infections easily. Coming in contact with the viruses doesn’t always mean to catch the infection but it depends on how you support your immune system.
According to a study happy and relaxed people have better and stronger immune systems as compared to those who are stressed and depressed. So always stay positive and happy to keep yourself away from cold.
7. USE TURMERIC:
Turmeric mixed with milk is a age old home remedy for treating colds at home. Drinking a glass of milk with turmeric every night before sleeping not only treats cold but also boosts your immune systems. Drinking milk with turmeric helps in treating cold and cough faster.
8. GET ENOUGH SLEEP:
It is important to have enough sleep. According to a research an adult should sleep for 7-8 hours a day for an active physical and mental health. Having quality sleep makes your immune system strong and increase your potential to fight against diseases.
9. USE EUCALYPTUS OIL:
Eucalyptus oil has many antiviral and anti microbial properties. These properties help in treating colds faster. Eucalyptus oil helps open your sinuses and reduces congestion. You can use eucalyptus oil in a diffuser, rub it on your chest or use in hot water bath for better benefits.
10. GARGLE WITH SALT WATER:
Gargle with warm water with some salt mixed in it to relieve your throat as it is one of the simplest and cheapest remedies to treat cold and cough. Gargling twice a day not only relieves your throat but also reduces chest congestion and nasal congestion.
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