Shedding light on the common cold
Correspondent | Thursday June 19, 2014 16:07
MMEGI: What is a common cold?
Tawana: A common cold, commonly known as flu, is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). There are over 100 viruses that can cause the common cold, with the rhinovirus being the most common.
MMEGI: Is it contagious?
Tawana: Yes, the virus causing a cold is very contagious. It can enter the body through the mouth, nose, and eyes. It is spread through droplets in the air when someone coughs, talks or sneezes. It can also be spread by hand contact from shared utensils and hand shaking.
MMEGI: Can it be contracted through kissing or hugging?
Tawana: The virus is found in air droplets not in the saliva. Therefore one is very unlikely to contract this virus from kissing. It can be transmitted during hugging by touching eyes, for example, when one is in contact with a sick person.
MMEGI: Who is likely to get a common cold?
Tawana: Infants and preschool children are likely to get a cold, as they have not yet developed resistance to most of the viruses that cause it.
Children also play with their hands frequently touching their mouths, and are therefore likely to be infected during playtime. As one gets older, one develops immunity to some of the viruses and thus has fewer colds. Those who are immune-compromised are likely to get frequent, severe colds.
MMEGI: What are the symptoms of the common cold?
Tawana: Most people will recover from flu in about a week or two. Symptoms appear in about one to three days following exposure. These include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, tiredness and some fever. In children it can be severe with complications such as ear infections.
MMEGI: Can the common cold be contracted from animals?
Tawana: Yes, other severe types of flu can be transmitted from animals such as birds, pigs and others.
MMEGI: Why is it common in cold weather?
Tawana: Most people spend time in doors during cold weather, making it easier for the virus to be transmitted. The other reason is that the cold weather dries nasal passage lining making it more vulnerable to infections. Dusty conditions can cause inflammation of air passages resulting in flu like symptoms.
MMEGI: How can one prevent spread of the virus?
Tawana: Washing hands, covering mouths when sneezing, coughing, use tissues and dispose of them appropriately, and avoiding handshakes when infected. Choose children’s schools wisely and favour those with good hygiene practices and clear stay-home policies. Although vaccines are available for some types of influenzas, none has been developed for the common cold.
MMEGI: How is the common cold treated?
Tawana: This is a viral infection and has no cure, but its natural history lasts a week or two. Some over-the-counter medications can be used to alleviate symptoms such as fevers and aches but these will not cure the virus.
Drinking lots of fluids helps replace those lost from the fevers or during mucus production. Chicken soup has been found to have some anti-inflammatory properties. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided as they cause dehydration, which can worsen the symptoms.
Some over-the-counter medicines should be avoided in children as they may cause side effects. As flu can cause poor appetite, vitamin supplements can be taken to boost the immunity.