Your Doctor Guide

DEFINITION
Colds are viral infections of the upper respiratory equipment such as nose and throat. Colds are usually painful though it did not hurt. Usually people who have experienced a cold wet nose, sore throat and cough. Some will experience watery eyes, sneezing and stuffy nose, or could have them all. In fact there are more than 200 viruses can cause colds and the symptoms occur varies.

Most adults get colds two to four times a year. Children especially during the preschool can be exposed to colds between six to ten times a year. Most people recover from colds in about a week to two weeks. If symptoms do not improve it is advisable to contact your doctor.


SYMPTOMS
Cold symptoms usually appear about one to three days after exposure to cold viruses. Signs and symptoms that can arise are:
• Nose is wet
• Itching and pain in the throat
• Coughing
• Nasal congestion
• Slight pain in the body or lightheadedness
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Mild fever (more than 39 Celsius)
• Slight fatigue

Mucus in the nose can become thick and yellow or green and of course to flow out. What makes a cold different from other viral infections is generally you will not experience a high fever. You also will not experience significant fatigue in the cold.


Causes & Risk Factors
Cause
There are more than 200 viruses can cause colds. Rhinovirus is the most numerous and the virus is most contagious. Cold viruses enter your body through the mouth or nose. Viruses can spread through the air when a sick person coughing, sneezing or talking. Moreover, it can also spread through hand contact with someone who is ill or borrowing something, such as supplies, towels, toys, or phone. Touching eyes, nose or mouth after coming into contact will increase your likelihood of contracting a cold.

  
Risk factors
Cold viruses almost always in the neighborhood. But the following factors may increase the likelihood of colds:





• Age.
Infants and children pre-school age are especially vulnerable to colds because they do not have the endurance development in most of the virus. But an immature immune system is not the only things that make children vulnerable. They also tend to spend much time with other children and often do not properly wash their hands and covering your nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze.

• Immunity.
With age develops immunity to the virus that causes colds. Nevertheless you can still have a cold when exposed to cold viruses, have an allergic reaction causing tightness or have a weak immune system. All these factors increase the risk of getting colds.

• Season.
Neither children nor adults are more susceptible to colds in fall and winter. That's because many people prefer to spend time indoors. In places where no winter, colds are more prevalent during the rainy season.


Prevention
There is no vaccine developed for the cold, because colds can be caused by different viruses. But you can take steps anticipated to slow the spread of cold viruses.
• Wash your hands. Clean hands thoroughly and often, and teach your child the importance of hand washing. Bring a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least the alcohol content of 60 percent and use to clean hands when water is not available.
• Clean your equipment. Keep kitchen and bathroom kept clean, especially when a family member you get a cold. Clean children's toys after playing.
• Use a tissue. Always use a tissue when sneezing and coughing. Discard paper towels that have been used and then wash your hands properly. Teach children to sneeze or cough on the curve of the elbow if no tissue. That's how to protect their mouth without using hands.
• Do not share. Do not share drinks or equipment with other family members. Use your own property or disposable cups when you or others sick. Label the cup or glass with the name of the person who has a cold.
• Keep it away from the cold. Avoid close or long time contact with somebody with a cold.