Have you ever felt a sore throat, a runny nose, and a feeling of weakness? Yes, this is the common cold that we all know. Some people also call it the common cold. This is one of the most common illnesses in our lives. So, what exactly is this cold? Is it serious? What should we do when a baby gets it? Let's find out all about it today.
What exactly is the common cold?
Simply put, a cold is a contagious infection of our upper respiratory tract, which is the nose, throat, sinuses, and airways, caused by a virus. Some people think it is a coronavirus. In fact, there are more than 200 types of viruses that can cause a cold. Of these, the most common is a group of viruses called rhinoviruses .
It's called the "common cold" because it's so common, and because it's so common. While adults get it about two or three times a year, young children can get it even more often, four or more times.
What are the symptoms of a cold?
The symptoms of a cold don't usually come on all at once. They come on in stages. Let's take a look at what those stages are.
| Stage | Time | Common symptoms seen |
|---|---|---|
| Early stage | 1 to 3 days | Symptoms begin within a day or three of infection. The first symptoms are a sore throat or a sore throat. Other symptoms include a runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, and hoarseness. |
| Active phase | 4 to 7 days | During this time, symptoms intensify. In addition to the previous symptoms, you may experience body aches, headaches, persistent watery eyes and nose, fatigue, and a feeling of weakness. Young children may also develop a fever during this time. |
| Final stage | 8 to 10 days | By now, the illness will have largely subsided. However, some people may have symptoms such as a cough for a while, perhaps up to two months. However, if your symptoms worsen during this time, or if your fever returns, be sure to see a doctor. It could be a sign of another infection. For example, a condition like bronchitis, sinusitis, or pneumonia. |
What are the symptoms of a cold in a small baby?
When babies have a cold, they may act a little differently than adults. They can't talk, so it's hard to tell. So we need to be aware of these symptoms.
- Nasal discharge: At first it may be watery, but later it may thicken and become gray, yellow, or green.
- Crocodile.
- Fever: A fever of around 101-102 Fahrenheit (38.3-38.9 Celsius) may occur.
- Appetite: Drinking milk can reduce appetite.
- Increased salivation: This can happen because of difficulty swallowing due to a sore throat.
- Cough.
- Constant crying and restlessness.
- The sebaceous glands (sebaceous glands) are slightly swollen.
Most importantly: If a baby under 2 months old has a fever, don't just assume it's a cold, but take him to a doctor right away. It could be a sign of something serious.
Does your baby have a cold? Or is it something more serious? How do you know?
Sometimes, symptoms similar to those of a common cold can also be caused by serious illnesses. If your baby or child has any of the symptoms below, call a doctor immediately or take them to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
| Warning signs to watch out for! | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 | Difficulty breathing (if your nostrils get bigger when you breathe, if you breathe rapidly). |
| 🚨 | If your chest goes in so much that your ribs are visible when you breathe. |
| 🚨 | If the lips turn blue. |
| 🚨 | If you refuse to eat or drink (may be dehydrated). |
| 🚨 | If you have an earache. |
| 🚨 | Cough that lasts more than 3 weeks. |
| 🚨 | If the child's illness seems to be getting worse instead of improving. |
How is the common cold transmitted?
Yes, the common cold is a very contagious disease. For this virus to enter your body, it has to get into a moist mucous membrane, like your nose, eyes, or mouth.
Imagine, when someone with a cold sneezes or coughs, droplets containing the virus enter the air. If you breathe in that air, the virus can enter your nose and make you sick. Similarly, if someone with the disease wipes their nose and touches a doorknob, the virus can stay on that handle. Then, if you touch that doorknob and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes with that same hand, the virus can enter your body.
You can spread the disease to someone else as early as a day or two after the symptoms of a cold start. However, you are most contagious during the first three days, when symptoms are at their peak.
How do you treat a cold?
The most important thing we all need to remember here is that there is no specific cure or medicine for the common cold. Since it is a viral infection, the body's immune system should fight it off and get better within 7-10 days. What we can do is do things that help control the symptoms.
Why don't antibiotics cure colds?
This is a common misconception. Antibiotics are medicines that are used to treat bacterial infections. Colds are caused by viruses . Therefore, antibiotics will not cure a cold. However, sometimes a cold can lead to bacterial infections such as ear infections and pneumonia. In such cases, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
What can be done about the symptoms?
There are medications you can buy from pharmacies to reduce symptoms. But never give these medications without consulting a doctor, especially to young children.
- Painkillers: You can take medicines like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for fever and body aches.
- For nasal congestion: There are medications (decongestants) that reduce nasal congestion.
- For runny nose and sneezing: Antihistamines can help.
- For coughs: There are cough suppressants and expectorants, but these are not recommended for children under 5 years of age.
Again, a reminder: Always consult your doctor before using any medication, especially if giving it to children.
What can you do at home when a small baby has a cold?
Do not give your baby any over-the-counter cold medicine unless recommended by a doctor. Instead, you can do the following:
1. Keep the baby comfortable: Keep him warm and comfortable.
2. Give plenty of fluids: If your baby is under 6 months old, continue to give breast milk or formula. If your baby is over 6 months old, you can also give him some water.
3. Give rest: Let the baby sleep well and rest.
4. Clean the nose: Young babies can't blow their noses. So when their nose is blocked, it's hard to drink milk.
- Saline and suction: Put saline drops (salt water) from the pharmacy into the baby's nostrils, and after a few minutes, use a suction bulb to suction out the mucus. Doing this about 15 minutes before feeding will help the baby breathe more easily.
- Steam inhalation: If you have a humidifier, use it. Or, close the bathroom door, turn on the hot water tap, and take your baby and stay in the steamy room for about 15 minutes. Never leave your baby alone. Bathing in warm water is also good.
- Petroleum jelly: If the skin around your nostrils is dry and red, apply a little petroleum jelly. But don't put it inside your nostrils.
What is the difference between a cold, influenza (Flu) and COVID-19?
The symptoms of all three diseases are very similar, so they are sometimes confused. However, there are clear differences between them.
| Symptom | Common Cold | Influenza (Flu) | COVID-19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever | Rarely (more common in children) | There is often a high fever. | There are many. |
| Body pain | Little by little | Abundant, intense | There may be many. |
| Chills/chills | Not much. | Abundant | There may be many. |
| Tiredness | may be | Abundant, abundant | Abundant, abundant |
| Crocodile hunting | Abundant | may be | may be |
| Loss of smell/taste | Rarely (due to nasal congestion) | Rarely | Most common feature (varies by type) |
How can you prevent catching a cold?
Although it cannot be completely prevented, there are many things we can do to reduce the risk.
- Wash your hands often: It is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after blowing your nose.
- Avoid touching your face: Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean frequently touched areas: Keep areas like doorknobs and light switches clean.
- Strengthen your immune system: Get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, and exercise.
- Stay home if you are sick: If you are sick, stay home and rest to prevent spreading it to others.
Take-Home Message
- The common cold is a common infection caused by a virus. There is no specific cure for it.
- Since this is a viral infection, antibiotics are of no use.
- Getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, and treating the symptoms are the best thing to do.
- When young children and babies have a cold, be very aware of warning signs such as difficulty breathing, high fever, and refusal to eat.
- Always seek medical advice before giving any medication, especially to children.
- If your symptoms last more than 10 days or get worse, see a doctor.
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