Care for the common cold
It is estimated that in a one-year period, people in the U.S. will suffer one billion colds. While there’s no cure, there are steps we all can take to significantly reduce the chances we contract or pass along the runny nose, sneezing, coughs and sore throats that make us feel miserable.
“Washing your hands is one of the best ways you can protect yourself,” says Beth Been, D.O., a physician at the Crooked Oak Family Health Center, a Lancaster General Medical Group practice. Avoid close contact with someone who has a cold, and when you’re around someone with a cold, or if you aren’t sure, play it safe and avoid touching your nose or eyes until you can wash your hands. You never know if your hands may have been contaminated with one of the more than 200 different cold viruses.
Although we are susceptible to colds at any time of the year, most occur during the colder months, typically September through April.
“When it’s cold outside, we tend to stay inside more often, where everything is closed up,” Dr. Been says. “And when we spend more time in confined spaces, it’s more likely to keep viruses inside as well.”
In addition, dry heat can be disruptive to the nasal mucosa, which can make the body more susceptible to sickness. “A humidifier in the bedroom at night can help,” she says.
Taking care of yourself through sufficient sleep and a well-balanced diet is also important in boosting your immune system and building a stronger resistance to the cold virus.
“You have to know how much sleep you body needs, but on average, 7 or 8 hours a night is adequate for adults,” Dr. Been says. Including fruits and vegetables in your diet and drinking plenty of water will help strengthen your system. “If you have a healthy diet, your immune system will be as effective as it can be.”
Unfortunately, we may still catch a cold despite our best preventive efforts. Symptoms that tell you that you have a cold may include a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, low-grade fever, mild hacking cough, headache, mild fatigue, achy muscles and bones, chills and watering eyes.
Though some symptoms resemble influenza, or the flu, they are different illnesses. Flu symptoms are more severe and can require more immediate medical attention.
Usually, the cold can be treated with over the counter medicines, such as cough suppressants, decongestants and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
“You need to treat your symptoms so you feel a little better while your body recovers,” Dr. Been says. If your condition is not improving after a week, or if you experience shortness of breath or high fever, you should seek medical attention to determine if it is a more severe illness such as bronchitis.
Since no one wants to be the person that spread a cold around, Dr. Been suggests that people recovering from a cold wash their hands in warm soapy water frequently, cover their face when they sneeze or cough, and avoid contact with infants or the elderly, who may have a tougher time fighting a cold.
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