A runny nose, a scratchy throat, and constant sneezing... Another cold. This is familiar to you, right? Sometimes you get a cold all the time, while your best friend doesn't get sick at all. Why does this happen? What exactly is a cold? Let's talk about it simply.
What exactly is this cold?
Simply put, a cold is an illness caused by a virus. There are over 200 types of viruses that cause it. Just think, how many families of viruses are responsible for a small cold! Of these, the one that most often causes us a cold is the type called rhinovirus . This virus is responsible for about 50% of colds.
In addition, viruses such as coronaviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and parainfluenza can also cause symptoms similar to the common cold.
This is so common that the number of children missing school and adults unable to go to work due to the common cold is very high all over the world.
How does the common cold enter our bodies?
The common cold is spread by someone who is infected with this virus. For example, if you touch a handrail on a bus that someone with a cold has touched, and then touch your nose or mouth with that hand, the virus can enter your body if you touch something that someone else has used, such as a computer keyboard or doorknob, and then touch your face.
It can also be spread by inhaling tiny droplets that are released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The disease begins when the virus attaches itself to the lining of your nose or throat. Then our body's defenses, the immune system , send their soldiers, the white blood cells, to fight the invader. If you haven't had the virus before, the first battle will fail, and the immune system will start sending another army into battle.
As a result of this battle, your nose and throat become swollen and you start to produce a lot of mucus. You feel tired and lifeless as all your body's energy is used to fight this virus.
A question everyone asks: Does getting wet cause a cold?
No. This is a big myth. Getting wet or exposed to cold does not directly cause a cold. A cold is only caused by a virus. However, if you are very tired, under a lot of stress, or have allergies related to your nose and throat, you are at a slightly higher risk of contracting the virus.
Common symptoms of a cold
These are the symptoms that you often see when you have a cold. But sometimes these can be confused with the symptoms of the flu. Let's see what the difference is between the two.
| Symptom | Common Cold | Flu (Influenza/Flu) |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Rarely, body temperature may increase slightly. | A high fever (over 100°F) often occurs. |
| Sore throat/itchiness | Often seen. A feature that comes first. | Sometimes it happens. |
| Body pain | May occur slightly. | Often there is severe body pain and headache. |
| Nasal congestion and sneezing | Occurs often and intensely. | Sometimes it happens. |
| Tiredness/fatigue | Feels a little. | Feeling extremely tired and exhausted can last for weeks. |
Why do young children often get colds?
Do you think your little one is always catching colds? That's normal. On average, a child can get colds about 5-7 times a year. There are several reasons why children get them more often than adults:
- Close contact: Children in preschools or daycare centers spend a lot of time in close contact with other children all day long, making it easy for the virus to spread.
- Hygiene habits: Children are not as concerned as adults about habits like covering their mouths with their elbows, washing their hands frequently, and not touching other people's things.
- Building immunity: An adult's body has been exposed to various cold viruses throughout their lives and has built up immunity against them. However, children's immune systems are still adapting to these viruses, so they are more susceptible to infection.
Do you need to see a doctor?
Most of the time, a common cold will clear up on its own within 7-10 days. Getting plenty of rest and drinking warm fluids is the best thing to do. However, it is important to see your family doctor in the following cases:
- If symptoms last more than 10 days: A common cold doesn't last longer than this. If it does, it could be something else.
- High fever: If the fever is higher than 101.3°F (38.5°C).
- Difficulty breathing: If you feel wheezing or difficulty breathing.
- Severe headache or sore throat: If you have severe pain that exceeds the normal level.
- Sinus pain: If you feel severe pain and pressure around the eyes and forehead area.
Sometimes, a body weakened by a cold can develop a bacterial infection. These can affect the lungs, sinuses, or ears. If this happens, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
The most important thing: The common cold is a viral infection. Antibiotics cannot kill viruses. Therefore, do not use antibiotics on your own without the advice of a doctor. Not only will it not cure anything, but it may also lead to antibiotic resistance, which means that the drugs will not work when you really need them in the future.
Take-Home Message
- A cold is caused by a virus. A cold is not caused directly by being wet or cold.
- Hygiene practices such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly and covering your mouth with your elbow when sneezing can help prevent the spread of the disease.
- The best treatment for a common cold is rest and drinking warm fluids.
- Antibiotics do not cure colds. Do not use them without medical advice.
- If symptoms are severe or last more than 10 days, be sure to see your doctor.
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