Facts about and tips for managing common cold.

It's that time of the year again especially for those of us in sub-saharan Africa, when the weather is windy and cold and a lot of people end up coming down with cold, cough and sometimes even mild fever.

So today we want to look at this condition, causative agents and how to manage it.

Facts about common cold.

- It is an upper respiratory tract infection.
- It is caused majorly by viruses and not bacteria.
- The virus is highly communicable because it can easily spread through air droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- It has no cure or vaccine.
- Use of antibiotics are not necessary for common cold as it is a viral infection except where a bacterial infection like sinusitis develops along side the cold.

Symptoms.
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Sore throat occasionally.
- Runny nose.
- Low grade fever.

Risk Factors.
- Weakened immune system.
- Weather conditions.
- Exposure to infected persons or environments.
- Age: especially children below the age of 6.

Some remedies for Cold.
1. Chicken soup:
It helps to clear the clogged airways.

2. Over the counter drugs like pain relievers and expectorants can be used to treat the symptoms.

3. Drink a lot of fluids.

4. Take a lot of citrus fruits.

5. Many people find fresh ginger roots very helpful in decongesting the airways especially in coughs.

I hope you find some of these tips helpful in managing your cold. Have a cold free week.

Credits:
Emedicinenet.com
Mayoclinic.org

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