Common cold is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a variety of viruses such as the rhinoviruses, parainfluenza virus, enterovirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, seasonal coronavirus, etc. It is a milder infection as compared to the flu, and may take 7 to 10 days or even up to 2 weeks to be cured. The symptoms of common cold develop gradually unlike the rapid onset of complaints seen in flu.
The symptoms include nasal obstruction or nasal discharge, sneezing, sore throat, cough, watery eyes, postnasal dripping, etc. But fever and chills or weakness are not predominant in common cold. This is a self-limiting disease and complications are very rare. An average adult may suffer 2 to 4 colds a year whereas a child may be affected by 6 to 8 colds per year. This is a contagious infection and is transmitted to others by droplet infection, direct contact, or by way of fomites.
Thus, to prevent an infection the following measures may be taken.
1. Wash hands frequently and do not touch the nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
2. Avoid close contact with sick persons.
3. Almonds are seen to help prevent the infections or clear the symptoms if taken during the very initial stages of the infection.
The treatment methods include antiviral medication as per allopathic system. A lot of effective homoeopathic medications are available to deal with common cold and may be taken according to a doctor’s prescription. Accessory treatment includes complete rest, sufficient fluid intake, and steam inhalation to relieve the nasal obstruction.