Your throat feels a little scratchy, you start sneezing, and your body doesn't feel right... After a while, you catch a bad cold. Would you believe me if I told you that the cause of all this trouble was a tiny virus that you can't even see with your eyes? In fact, there is not one virus behind this, but more than 200 types. So let's see what this cold really is, how it develops, and what we can do to get well soon.
What exactly is a cold?
Simply put, a cold is a viral infection of our upper respiratory tract. That is, it affects the upper parts of our respiratory system. It includes:
- Nose: The main entrance to the respiratory system.
- Nasal cavities: The hollow spaces inside the nose. These are where air passes through.
- Sinuses: There are air-filled cavities inside our cheeks and forehead. These clean and warm the air we breathe in and send it to our bodies. They also affect our voice.
- Larynx: This is also called the voice box.
Our entire respiratory system is covered with a membrane that produces a liquid called mucus. This mucus traps foreign objects, such as dust and pollen, and prevents them from entering. But no matter how good this system is, sometimes germs like viruses can sneak in.
The main types of viruses that cause the common cold
There are many types of viruses that can cause the common cold. Let's look at some of the main ones.
| Name of the virus | Important points |
|---|---|
| Rhinovirus | There are more than 169 types of the virus found worldwide. It is responsible for 10%-40% of colds. Although it can be uncomfortable, serious illness is rare. |
| Coronavirus | This is a family of viruses. Some strains cause the common cold. But the strain that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, is newer and more virulent. It is a member of this family that often causes colds during the winter. |
| Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) | It is so common that most children have it by the age of 2. Although the symptoms are often mild, they can sometimes be severe enough to require hospitalization. |
| Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) | This family of viruses includes strains called HPIV-1 and HPIV-2 that cause the common cold. Sometimes, these can also cause more serious conditions like croup , bronchitis , and pneumonia . |
Surprisingly, between 20% and 30% of colds in adults are caused by an "unknown" virus that doctors have not yet identified.
Misconceptions and truth about the common cold
There are many misconceptions about the common cold in society. Let's look at a few of them and what is true or not.
| Wrong opinion | True story |
|---|---|
| Exposure to cold causes colds. | No. Colds are caused by viruses, not cold weather. However, during the cold season, we spend more time indoors and in crowded places, which increases the chance of viruses spreading. |
| Eating dairy increases mucus and worsens the disease. | This is also a misconception. Dairy foods do not increase mucus production in the body. However, some dairy foods can create a sticky feeling in the throat and mouth, which can make you feel like you have mucus. |
| Vitamin C can prevent colds. | Vitamin C is great for your immune system. However, it has not been proven to prevent colds. However, taking it after you get sick can help speed up your recovery. It's best to talk to your doctor before taking vitamin C pills. |
| Stress does not have a big impact. | This is completely wrong. Short-term stress can boost the immune system. However, long-term stress weakens our immune system. This reduces the production of white blood cells that fight germs, making us more susceptible to illnesses like the common cold. |
The stages of a cold and the time it takes to recover
A cold usually clears up within 7-10 days. But a cough may last a little longer. Let's see what the stages are.
- Incubation period: After the virus enters the body, it begins to multiply inside the body. During this time, you will not have any symptoms. This can last from 12 hours to 3 days.
- Symptomatic period: This is when you start to feel sick. You start to experience things like a scratchy throat, sneezing, and runny nose. Symptoms are at their peak during the first 1-3 days.
- Remission period: At this point, your symptoms will gradually begin to subside. This usually occurs between 3-10 days after infection.
- Recovery period: At this point, you may still have minor symptoms (e.g., a slight cough), but they will not interfere with your daily activities.
Remember, if your symptoms don't get better, but get worse , or if your symptoms get better and then come back , be sure to see your doctor.
What are the best remedies for a cold?
There is no specific "cure" for the common cold. That is, there is no medicine to kill the virus. However, there are many things we can do to control the symptoms and help our bodies recover.
- Get plenty of rest: Rest gives your body the energy it needs to heal.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking things like water, unsweetened tea, and chicken soup can help prevent dehydration and reduce nasal congestion.
- Use a humidifier: This device adds moisture to the air to prevent your nasal passages from drying out. Alternatively, inhaling the steam from a hot shower is also good.
- Gargle with salt water: Gargling with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water can help reduce an itchy throat. (Do not do this for children under 6 years of age, as they may swallow it.)
- Painkillers: You can take painkillers for body aches and fever. However, ask your doctor what is best for you.
- The most important warning: Never give aspirin to young children and young adults. It has been linked to a very dangerous, possibly life-threatening condition called Reye's syndrome.
Take-Home Message
- Colds are caused by viruses, not cold weather.
- Getting plenty of rest and drinking fluids is essential for a speedy recovery.
- Although there is no specific medicine that kills the virus, symptoms can be controlled and relief can be achieved.
- Prevent the spread of the disease by washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing/coughing.
- If you or your child has a high fever, difficulty breathing, signs of dehydration , or if the symptoms are very severe, contact your doctor immediately.
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