Fever, sore throat, runny nose? You’ve probably caught a cold. Wondering after how long your cold will pass? This is perfectly normal!
A cold usually goes away after 2 to 3 days. It basically depends on immunity. Some cases can last from 7 to 15 days. This duration of the cold depends on the timeliness and quality of care, as well as the type of cold.
What kind of cold did I catch?
A cold can be viral or bacterial. He is contagious. The most common mode of transmission of the common cold is aerosol. In fact, the common cold is most easily spread by coughing and sneezing. These are the ways in which the virus it spreads In the air. It is also possible to become infected by direct contact. It manifests itself especially during seasons with low temperatures, such as winter or autumn. The fact is that the nasal walls are more sensitive due to the air dryness during these times of the year.
In children, the common cold is one of the most common illnesses. This is especially related to the adaptation of the immune system to foreign elements to the body. In chronic form, the common cold does not appear until the child’s early years, as it is at this time when the child’s body is most exposed to the germs and bacteria that surround it. The common cold can start with allergies, for example, to dog hair. It is important to know the triggers of your allergies effectively over the years, it can become a chronic disease. In a child, a cold attack heals after a day, in the worst case – more than a week.
In adults, the common cold is more common than it seems. Occurring almost 4 times a year, the common cold is more frequent during temporary states of fatigue. Between work and everyday life, the the immune system is weakened. Symptoms last longer in an adult. Thus, the symptoms of colds are felt more in them than in young children.
What are the symptoms of a cold?
Nasopharyngitis of bacterial origin
When the cold is onbacterial origin, there may be an aggravation of symptoms such as cough, fever or shortness of breath. In some cases diarrhea, vomiting, ear pain or conjunctivitis may occur. However, the common cold is a mild infection. The human body produces defenses by itself without resorting to drugs in most cases. These symptoms disappear fairly quickly and do not lead to complications, at least in most cases.
In children, symptoms of infection may appear within a day.
During a bacterial infection, these are the first signs that may appear:
- runny nose,
- rhinitis (nasal congestion, sneezing),
- cough,
- mild sore throat,
- fever (around 38°),
- conjunctivitis.
In adults, the incubation time of the bacteria is between 3 to 5 days after infection. Over the years, the body acquires the ability to recover more quickly from cold symptoms. If you start to experience the following symptoms, you most likely have a cold.
- tired,
- emotion,
- fever,
- sometimes it hurts,
- have a “heavy-headed” feeling
- dryness, even burning in the nasal passages,
- itchy nose,
- dull pain in the ears,
- Angina or dry throat.
SEE ALSO: Health: The best tips to uncover a cold nose
When the cold is of viral origin
As long as the cold is viral, the symptoms found may become more significant in certain asthmatic, elderly or debilitated subjects such as smokers are particularly affected. In this case, more appropriate care will be recommended than treatments for the common cold. Some complications can occur, such as:
- diarrhea,
- vomiting,
- breathing difficulties,
- respiratory insufficiency,
- sinusitis,
- coinfection or superinfection,
- chronic bronchitis,
- etc.
When a cold becomes the flu
However, as soon as you experience any of these symptoms, no matter how minor, it is best to see a doctor. When the cold is badly treated, it leaves a suitable place for the fluwhich is a highly contagious disease. The incubation period can vary fromone person to another. However, the most undesirable effects are felt after the first and second days after incubation, either around, day 6-7. The symptoms are more intense and the immunity is still weak, since the foreign body begins to be identified in the body.
As a reminder, the flu is a acute respiratory viral infection It weakens the entire body. More serious, but often mistaken for the common cold, it can cause serious complications in people. the most fragile.
In adults, the flu should go away after 5 days, although some symptoms may persist for the next few days. On the other hand, the child has antibodies more resistant than adults. With them, the healing and incubation time is therefore faster, because the organism more easily detects the bacteria. The flu virus can pass after 1 to 2 days in most cases. In babies younger than three months, the antibodies are not fully developed and nasal congestion can lead to severe respiratory distress. This disease is common and should not be overlooked. Fortunately, it goes away with good treatment and a little rest.
How to treat and relieve a cold?
Several Grandma’s methods are effective in relieving cold symptoms, which can be similar to those of COVID-19. These treatments are essentially herbal. Drinking herbal tea, with ginger and lemon, can relieve the common cold. Turmeric is also a good remedy. You also need to rehydrate drink as much water as possible.
However, the best way to treat a cold is to see a GP and get proper treatment. Mainly because the symptoms They can be confused with those of the Covid. In adults, there are no medications that can remedy it directly. Medications prescribed by your GP will be used to treat headaches or even coughs. They will also help boost your immunity.
How to treat the common cold in adults?
In adults, the common cold can be cured without treatment. You do not need to take antibiotics. However, in the case of a bacterial complication, the general practitioner may prescribe antibiotics. In the face of a viral infection, the body defends itself thanks to antibodies.
In case the immune system is a bit weak, taking some vitamins can do you good. In this case, the vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system. However, it is immediately recommended that you do not take too many vitamins! To have the necessary nutrients for healing, a healthy and balanced diet may be sufficient. Above all, he prefers fruits and vegetables.
NB: In all cases, you should rehydrate as much as possible. The body needs a lot of water to survive and eliminate toxins.
To cure the common cold more quickly, it is recommended:
- blow your nose as regularly as possible
- Wash the nose with suitable solutions or sprays
- Take paracetamol to lower the temperature and headache
- Rest
PS: If you have a stuffy nose, you can, under medical prescription from a general practitioner, use one or a vasoconstrictor.
Effectively treat nasopharyngitis in a child or baby.
For a child under 2 years of age, it is The use of cough suppressants is prohibited. To cure children’s cough, it is better to resort to grandma’s little recipes. Herbal teas, lemon or a good honey tea can help.
However, medical treatments are preferable to avoid any type of viral superinfection. Taking fortifiers is also a good alternative to complement treatment. It is recommended to prioritize fruits, vegetables and dairy products. It is important to keep your child warm, to prevent worsening of cough Y runny nose.
To treat a child’s cold, you need:
- give him a little paracetamol to calm your fever,
- help him blow his nose as much as possible.
In the case of a viral superinfection, it is necessary to take antibiotics.
How to prevent the common cold?
Tips to avoid catching a cold
The common cold can be very contagious. To avoid getting infected, here are some tips:
- Stay warm in cold and wet seasons
- Air out bedrooms and rooms regularly.
- Moisten the air a little if possible
- Do sport
- Eat fruits and vegetables every day.
There are also various artificial machines that can prevent the accumulation of viruses In the air. For example, air humidifiers or essential oil diffusers. based aerosolsessential oil They are also a good alternative to purify the air in bedrooms and at home.
Tips to avoid spreading the common cold?
In case of pollution, certain actions are necessary to prevent the spread of the disease. Is about :
- Wash your hands frequently with soap or hydroalcoholic solution
- Avoid bodily contact with people (no kisses, hugs, etc.)
- Disinfect contaminated surfaces
- Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough
- wear a mask
Either way, when you feel sick, don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse. Consult a doctor for greater safety, because it is your Health referred!
#long #cold