Causes, symptoms and prevention methods

 

                             

Causes, symptoms

and prevention methods

Colds causes, symptoms and prevention methods

Everything you need to know about colds

The common cold is the most common infectious disease in humans and is mainly caused by coronaviruses or rhinoviruses, and since there are more than 200 viruses that cause colds, the human body can never resist them all, which is why colds are so common and often come back.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults get 2-3 colds a year, and children may be up to 12 years old.

Colds are contagious that can be spread by air droplets from coughing, sneezing and touching infected surfaces. It is contagious 1-2 days before the symptoms begin until the symptoms stop.

Symptoms of a cold

Symptoms of the common cold are the body's reaction to the cold virus, which triggers the release of chemicals, causing blood vessels to leak, causing the mucous glands to work more.

The most common symptoms of colds are:

Dry throat.

Sore throat.

Cough.

Mild fever.

Sneezing.

Hoarse voice.

Mild headache.

The rarest symptoms of a cold are the following:

Muscle pain.

Endophthalmitis.

Double.

Decrease in appetite.

Some people have no symptoms when infected with the cold virus, perhaps because their immune system reacts differently to the virus, and sometimes bacteria can infect the ears or sinuses during this viral infection - this is known as secondary bacterial infection - and can be treated with antibiotics.

Causes of a cold

The common cold can be caused by more than 200 different viruses, and about 50% of cases of colds are caused by rhinoviruses, other viruses that cause include:

Human influenza virus.

Adenovirus coronaviruses.

Human respiratory syncytial virus.

Enteroviruses.

When the virus manages to overcome the body's immune system infection occurs, and the first line of defense is mucus, which is produced in the nose and throat by the mucous glands, where this mucus traps anything that is inhaled, such as dust, viruses and bacteria.

When the virus penetrates the mucus, the virus then enters the cell, and the virus takes control and uses the cell's mechanism to manufacture more viruses, then these viruses attack the surrounding cells.

Risk factors for a cold

Older adults are more likely to have a cold, but some people are also more likely to have a cold than others, including:

Children under 6.

Older people.

Individuals with a weakened immune system.

Smokers.

Methods of prevention of colds.

Hand washing is an important way to reduce the spread of a cold, and since there are many viruses that can cause colds, it is difficult to develop a vaccine, however there are some precautions that can help avoid catching a cold. These include:

Avoid close contact with someone who has a cold.

Eat plenty of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables to help keep your immune system strong.

When sneezing or coughing, make sure that it is done in tissue or tissue paper and wash your hands.

If you sneeze into your hands, be sure to wash them with soap and water immediately.

If you don't have wipes, you can cough in your elbow instead of your hands.

Wash your hands regularly, cold viruses can be transmitted from person to person by touch.

Keep surfaces clean in your home, especially in the kitchen or bathroom.

Avoid touching your face, especially your nose and mouth.