Symptoms of a cold can vary greatly from person to person. There are four main categories of colds: common, seasonal, and bacterial. While there is no specific Best Treatment for a cold, some treatments are more effective than others. For example, rest, fluids, and chicken soup can help prevent or treat a cold. You should consult a doctor if your child has persistent symptoms or if you suspect a more severe condition.
Rest
While you might feel better as soon as possible, colds are generally minor ailments that should treat on a self-care basis. Drink plenty of fluids, keep the air around you moist, and wash your hands frequently. Sign up for a health newsletter to stay informed about the latest health research and tips. Sign up for a free health newsletter to get the latest information and tricks for managing your health.
In addition to sleep, you should limit physical activities and take naps throughout the day. Avoid being in contact with people with the cold virus as much as possible. Staying home not only helps you recover faster, but it protects others from getting sick too. If you must travel, try to avoid flying unless necessary. If you have to go out, carry over-the-counter decongestants and nasal spray. Take extra precautions and limit your activities while you are feeling sick. A few hours of bed rest can do wonders for your body.
Fluids
A common cold, also known as a rhinovirus, is an acute upper respiratory tract viral infection. It spreads through aerosols and direct contact with mucus. The incubation period for a common cold varies, but the symptoms generally relate to the infected mucosa and last for seven to 10 days or even up to three weeks. Other common cold symptoms include a runny nose, cough, malaise, and fever. The severity of symptoms varies according to the infectious agent.
The NIHR, WHO, and the Australian Commonwealth Department of Health have funded the research. Private benefactors Bruce and Sue Shepherd provide support for this research. Chris Del Mar is a member of the ARI Cochrane Group. However, most of his research supports the use of fluids as the best treatment for a cold. Therefore, fluids as the best treatment for a cold may not be the best choice for everyone.
Nonprescription Medicines
Many over-the-counter products are available to help alleviate cold and flu symptoms, such as cough and sneezing. While some medications are not entirely safe, they can often relieve symptoms. There are two types of cold medicines: drowsy and non-drowsy. A drowsy cold medicine can be used during the day, while can use a non-drowsy medicine at night.
Before taking any OTC medicine, consult your healthcare provider. Some medicines can interact with prescription drugs. For example, some multi-symptom cold medicines may contain acetaminophen, a common pain reliever. Acetaminophen has been linked to liver damage, so read the label before taking it. Always choose a cold medicine that only addresses your symptoms rather than side effects. Avoid using medicines that cause indigestion, diarrhea, or stomach upset if possible.
Chicken Soup
A new study by the University of Nebraska shows that chicken soup is the best treatment for a cold. Its anti-inflammatory effect was attributed to its ability to suppress neutrophils, white blood cells attracted to areas of inflammation and infection. In other words, the concentration of chicken broth reduces the inflammation and, therefore, the cold symptoms. In addition, chicken soup contains the healthy nutrients zinc and iodine, which help the immune system stay healthy.
Moreover, chicken soup is beneficial to people suffering from congestion since the compound carnosine it contains minimizes the inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and inhibits the migration of white blood cells. Additionally, the benefit lasts for as long as the soup stays in the body. Aside from that, it has been shown to help those with sinus problems. So, the chicken soup should be your first choice when looking for a cold cure.
Vaccinations
While the effectiveness of vaccination against severe diseases remains high, some observational studies suggest a gradual decline, particularly in older people or people with risk factors for developing the disease. Therefore, vaccines for a cold are often the best treatment. In addition, vaccinations are a relatively inexpensive way to avoid the effects of colds and flu. This article briefly overviews how vaccines work and their benefits.
During clinical trials, vaccines have significantly reduced cold-related mortality. However, there are some risks associated with them. Although the vaccines are effective against influenza, many studies have suggested that they may increase the risk of thrombocytopenia. If you develop symptoms of thrombocytopenia after vaccination, you should seek immediate medical attention. Other vaccine risks include chest pain, lower extremity edema, persistent severe abdominal pain, headache, backache, and seizures.
Prevention
Colds are contagious viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. People can catch them by coughing, sneezing, and touching contaminated surfaces. Preschoolers typically catch four to eight colds each year, and they are especially common in the fall and winter when people are close to each other. While more adults than children get a cold each year, children tend to catch more. There are more than 200 types of cold virus, including the respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and coronavirus.
Using disposable utensils and cups is an important step in preventing colds. Not only does this prevent the spread of cold viruses to others, but it also helps reduce the risk of contracting a cold yourself. Cleaning surfaces regularly is also important, as viruses can live on surfaces for hours. In addition, keep in mind that children are more susceptible to the common cold virus than adults, and frequent contact with their toys or other items can quickly spread the illness.
