Fortify Yourself With The Facts
Colds are one of the most common viruses out there. Everyone gets them from time to time, but there are simple strategies you can use to avoid being infected as often. One of the best defenses is simply being informed so here are 20 facts you should know about the common cold.
1. It's Viral
A viral infection is caused by viruses that invade cells in your body and multiply. Over 200 viruses can cause colds but by far the most common are rhinoviruses.
2. It's Not Caused By The Cold
Contrary to popular belief, colds aren't caused by being in the cold. In fact, being out in the cold has been shown to boost immunity. Colds are more likely caused by people spending more time inside which increases exposure to germs.
3. There's No Cure
Unlike the flu, there is no cure or vaccine for the common cold. Treatment is focused on managing symptoms.
4. Prevention Helps
Preventative measures like eating a balanced diet, washing your hands, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly protect you from catching colds. These practices boost your immunity and prevent the transfer of germs.
5. It's Worse For Children
When it comes to colds, children are super spreaders. Their less mature immune systems make them more susceptible to catching colds. Their symptoms also often last longer.
6. It's Highly Contagious
Colds are highly contagious. They're spread through droplets of fluid from an infected person's coughing or sneezing which then enter your body through touching a contaminated surface or breathing them in.
7. We Get It A Lot
There's a reason they can it the common cold. Adults get an average of two to four colds a year while children get six to 10.
8. Cold Vs. Flu
Flu symptoms are usually more severe and show up more abruptly than cold symptoms. Fevers, aches, and fatigue are common flu symptoms that are only sometimes present with colds.
9. Symptoms
Common cold symptoms to be aware of include sore throat, runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. A low-grade fever and body aches sometimes occur, but could also be signs of the flu.
10. Most Go Away On Their Own
Colds usually go away on their own after seven to ten days. However, some symptoms, like coughing, are known to linger.
11. Best Treatment
The best way to treat a cold is to get a lot of rest and drink plenty of fluids. These things give your immune system the support it needs to fight off the virus.
12. Immunity Builds Over Time
As our immune systems mature and we naturally expose ourselves to various viruses over time, we catch fewer colds. The immune system remembers viruses it's been exposed to in the past so it knows how to respond to them more effectively in the future.
13. Antibiotics Don't Work
Because colds are viral and have a different structure to bacterial infections, antibiotics won't help. Viruses have a protective protein layer that antibiotics can't get through.
14. Vitamin C & Colds
Vitamin C doesn't prevent you from getting a cold. However, taking vitamin C with a cold may help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms by boosting immunity and reducing inflammation.
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15. Zinc & Colds
Like vitamin C, taking zinc supplements at the onset of cold symptoms may help shorten the duration of the cold. Unlike vitamin C, zinc may also help prevent colds.
16. Complications Can Occur
While cold symptoms usually clear up within a week, it can pave the way for other, more serious infections to invade the body. Sinus infections, bronchitis, and ear infections are common complications that come with colds.
17. Certain Things Exacerbate Colds
Inflammatory foods like those high in salt and sugar can add stress to your immune system, making your symptoms worse. Additionally, alcohol, cigarettes, and coffee can add strain to your body and make it harder to fight off viruses.
18. Vitamin D & Colds
Studies have shown vitamin D to play a role in strengthening your immune system and preventing you from getting sick. Those who are vitamin D deficient are at a higher risk of getting colds and the flu.
19. Contagious As Long As Symptoms Last
There's a common myth that colds are only contagious in the first few days. While they are most contagious in the first three or four days, they continue to be contagious the entire time you have symptoms.
20. Contagious Before Symptoms Start
Unfortunately, colds are contagious one to two days before your symptoms start, making them sneaky and difficult to avoid spreading. However, you're most contagious when your symptoms are at their worst.
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