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A”Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infection” also called “Common Cold” is a contagious illness, caused by a number of viruses.
Because many viruses cause Common Cold, human body is unable to build up resisting power against this troubling illness.
That is why in-spite of taking tablets, syrups etc., Common Cold is not completely curable.
Common Cold is said to be cured by medication in one week and without medication in seven days. It is a frequently recurring discomfort affecting both children and adults.
Symptoms of Common Cold:-
- Nasal Stuffiness
- Running Nose
- Sore Throat
- Hoarseness
- Cough
- Head ache
- Fever
Cold is contagious and spreads by hand to hand contact.
Coughing and Sneezing by persons affected by Cold will spread the viruses to others.
The Cold viruses will pass on from one person to another even by the day to day articles handled such as pens, books, newspapers, Coffee/Tea cups.
People having Cold must cough or sneeze with a hanky closed on the nose and the mouth to reduce spreading the viruses to others.
Being in the proximity of Cold affected persons are more effective in spreading cold than exposure to cold weather.
Antibiotics cannot treat cold as they can work against bacteria and not against viruses.
You must not take in antibiotics for cold as the use of antibiotics will lead to other complications due the reaction of taking in antibiotics.
Hand washing by soap in home and hotels before and after eating is important for preventing spreading of cold. Vitamin C will help in preventing and curing cold.
You can drink Lime juice which is high in Vitamin C as a medicine for curing cold.
Nasal sprays and Inhalers will help to reduce the symptoms cold such as nasal congestion and running nose.
They must be sparingly used to avoid addiction to the habit of Nasal spray or inhalation.
The medications recommended for cold, cough and fever are:-
- Antihistamine such as Benedryl ( these will cause drowsiness)
- Acetaminophen such as Tylenol Ibuprofen such as Advil (for body pain and headache
- syrups containing Dextromethorphan for coughs