The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract and is one of the most common infectious diseases among humans, most people recover from the common cold within a week to 10 days, and symptoms may last longer in smokers. Generally speaking, colds can be recovered without medical attention or medication, only by rest and taking fluids, and some may resort to medication to relieve symptoms
What are the main symptoms of the common cold?
Once a person is exposed to the cold virus, cold symptoms usually take one to three days to appear, and cold symptoms rarely appear suddenly, these symptoms include:
1-Nasal congestion
2-Loss of sense of smell or taste
3-watery or mucous nose secretions
4-Sore throat and cough
5-Swelling of the lymph nodes
6-General fatigue
7-headache and body pain
Cold symptoms usually last for 7 to 10 days, peak on the fifth day, and then gradually improve,
Tips for relieving cold symptoms?
1-drink water and liquids constantly. Water or a mixture of lemon and honey with warm water helps relieve congestion and prevent dehydration. Avoid drinking coffee and caffeinated soft drinks that can cause further dehydration
2-comfort. Your body needs some rest to complete recovery
3-Soothe a sore throat. Gargling with salt water - by a quarter to half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water - can help relieve sore throats
4-You can also try throat inflammation sprays or emulsifying tablets
Eliminate nasal obstruction. Sprays and nose drops containing over-the-counter brine can benefit in getting rid of nasal obstruction and congestion
Treatments are ineffective for cold treatment
There are too many ineffective cold treatments. Some of the most common ineffective treatments include
1-Antibiotics. Antibiotics attack bacteria, but they are not useful in resisting cold viruses. Avoiding the use of antibiotics will not improve quickly, and inappropriate use of antibiotics causes serious and increasing problems related to antibiotic-resistant bacteria
2-Cold and cough medications over the counter for young children. Over-the-counter cold and cough medications can cause serious side effects and potentially threaten children's lives. Consult your child's doctor before giving them any medication
Although catching a cold can make you sick, which prompts you to try different types of treatments, the best thing to do is to take care of yourself in the best way. Rest, take liquids, and remember to wash your hands frequently. If the symptoms do not disappear within 10 days, go to the doctor for a consultation and you can visit the facilities of Egypt HealthCare Authority which is spread in all cities and villages in Egypt, and receive appropriate treatment for your health condition
