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Introduction
The average
adult may have three or four colds each year. Young children
are more susceptible, because their immune systems are not
fully developed. There are over two-hundred cold viruses with
thirty percent attacking the nose. These viruses, called rhinoviruses,
infect people in late summer and early fall. The other cold
viruses are usually contacted in the winter and spring.
Symptoms
Cold symptoms
begin within one or two days after exposure and may include:
-
Runny
nose,
-
Sneezing
and coughing,
-
Sore
or scratchy throat,
-
Fever,
-
Muscle aches and pains,
-
Hoarseness,
or
-
Headache.
Transmission Of Colds
Colds
may be transmitted through the air, by direct contact, or by
an object used by a cold sufferer. You can catch a cold by:
-
Exposure to sneezing or coughing by others.
-
Shaking hands and then touching your eyes or nose.
-
Handling objects held by someone with a cold.
Treatment
Antibiotics are ineffective in treating colds. Taking unnecessary
antibiotics may contribute to the development of disease resistant
bacteria. Rest is an important factor in recovering from a cold.
There are other things you can do at home to ease your discomfort.
They include:
-
Use a humidifier or vaporizer.
-
Drink lots of fluids.
-
Take a pain reliever as needed. Do not give aspirin to children.
Instead, substitute a drug such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
to decrease fever and muscle aches.
To
Avoid Colds
-
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
-
Eat well and get lots of sleep and exercise to keep up your
resistance.
-
Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes, and mouth.
Seek
medical care if cold symptoms continue longer than two weeks
or become severe. You may be experiencing allergies or other
medical problems.
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