The Common Cold

By Author: Rob Thomas
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The common cold is a upper respiratory tract infection caused by coronaviruses. It is the most common infectious disease to affect people. There is no permanent treatment for the cold but it can be treated and leave your body in a matter of days or it may infect you for weeks. In rare cases a common cold can also lead to death. A common cold is usually caused by bacteria from rhinoviruses which is known as a serotype of rhinovirus, a type of picornavirus, other viruses which cause cold are coronavirus and human parainfluenza viruses Rhinoviruses is related to 30 - 50% of colds, while coronavirus causes 10 - 15%. In total there are over 200 serologically different types of viruses which cause cold.
When someone who has the cold virus interacts with others by touching or through saliva, the virus duplicates itself. So it is suggested that persons with the cold restrain from kissing or too much touching while infected. Persons can lower the chances of getting the cold by cleaning the hands regularly to get rid of bacterias. When someone catches the common cold, they go through symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, nasal ...
... congestion, sneezing, fatigue and other major ailments like fever, pink eye, muscle weakness and headaches. Persons may also feel a a slight chill in the body. These however, in most cases don't last for very long.
There are certain things though that increase the chances of someone catching a cold. Such as a fragile immune system, which decreases the body's ability to fight off bacteria. A poor immune system can be due to lack of proper rest. Persons with certain deficiencies caused by lack of certain vitamins like vitamin D and C are more susceptible to catching a cold. Vitamin C is filled with agents that enrich the body to fight of germs. Persons with a common cold are always advised to drink plenty fluids as often as possible. Doing this helps to support the body's natural ability to fight off infections. Individuals should avoid elements which cause water loss such as caffeine as this helps the body to lose water and weakens the immune system.
These are nutriments which revitalize the body to fight off viruses like the cold. Persons have said that dry air helps to promote a common cold in our surroundings, so drier places are more prone for people to get a cold. There are different treatments to help get rid of a cold from home. Garlic and honey are natural antibiotics that can be sourced in the home and used regularly to fight off the cold. If a common cold becomes worse over time medical attention may be required. A doctor may provide you with medicines or antiviral drugs.
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