One fine morning, you wake up and check the time. Your eyes ache, your body feels sore, and something just seems off. Your forehead is already burning. You were perfectly fine the night before, but suddenly, in the morning, all of this hits you when you least expect it. Just like Karma. The common cold can sneak up on you. You never know when it will come for you, and once it does, it can really stick around. Your voice might turn into a raspy version of Batman, and your throat itches like it's trying to channel its inner superhero. Honestly, that's a bit depressing, even for Batman.
It's tough, isn't it? With over 100 different viruses causing the common cold, it can be challenging to pinpoint what exactly caused it. The severity of the infection varies widely depending on the virus involved, with common cold coronaviruses and rhinoviruses being among the primary culprits, often leading to mild seasonal colds but sometimes resulting in more severe respiratory issues, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly[5].
So what actually triggers the common cold?
FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER:
What goes around comes around, right? In the case of the common cold, it usually spreads from an infected person to a healthy one quite easily. A cough or a sneeze is all it takes for the virus to jump from one person to another. This rapid transmission is why it's crucial to maintain distance from those exhibiting symptoms[2].
BEWARE, IT CAN BE ANYWHERE!
The virus can linger on surfaces such as doorknobs, utensils, and keyboards, making it essential to practice good hygiene. Frequent handwashing significantly reduces the risk of infection, as studies indicate that proper hand hygiene can lower the incidence of respiratory infections, including the common cold[1].
ROMANCE IN RAIN? WELL…
While getting wet or chilled doesn't directly cause the common cold, certain conditions can increase your susceptibility. For example, individuals suffering from allergies or those who are extremely fatigued might find themselves more vulnerable to infections, especially in damp conditions[4]. So, the next time you're tempted to dance in the rain, just keep this in mind!
The common cold can bring along a headache, and it definitely takes time to shake off. But we can't just sit and wait for it to go away, right? It's smarter to be proactive and learn how to tackle this pesky Karma known as the common cold. Here are some effective home remedies.
Everything starts at home. Remedies are no exception!
Steamy Chicken Soup:
Yes, our grandmothers were right about this one! Research shows that steamy chicken soup with veggies is fantastic for fighting upper respiratory infections, adding nutritional value, and hydrating your body. It even helps slow the movement of white blood cells, allowing them to concentrate on healing[3].
Honey:
Honey has impressive antiviral properties to fight off colds, and it does so sweetly.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice with 2 teaspoons of honey and sip it every 2 hours for great relief from cold and sore throat.
- A spoonful of raw honey can also provide relief.
Ginger:
Ginger really knows how to tackle the common cold. Here are some options:
- Ginger tea works wonders on cold symptoms. A little lemon and honey can boost its effectiveness.
- Combine ginger paste with cloves and salt — 1/2 teaspoon twice a day.
- Mix equal parts of dry ginger powder, clarified butter, and jaggery. Take a teaspoon of this mixture daily on an empty stomach.
Salt-Water Gargle:
Boil hot water, add 2 teaspoons of salt, stir well, and use it to gargle to soothe a sore throat. It really helps ease irritation.
Red Onion Syrup:
Red onion syrup is a clever remedy for colds.
- Slice red onions horizontally and place them in a bowl, then add raw honey until the bowl is full.
- Cover the bowl and let it sit for 12 to 15 hours. When you uncover it, you'll find a thick syrup.
- Your red onion syrup is now ready! Take a spoonful every day to combat your cold.
These are just a few quick ways to kick that cold to the curb. It's best to stay indoors and let your body rest and recover.
So when the common cold strikes…
What do regular folks do?
They take it lightly, develop more symptoms, cough, sneeze heavily, and spread the cold to everyone around.
What do smart folks do?
They log on to Healz.ai, enter their queries, get instant consultations from their choice of online doctor, and ultimately, live healthier lives.
References:
- James G Lenhart, Phuong T Vu, Kale Quackenbush, Anne LaPorte, Jeff Smith. The efficacy of a compounded micronutrient supplement on the incidence, duration, and severity of the common cold: A pilot randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.. PubMed. 2020.
- Thevambiga Iyadorai, Sin How Lim, Pui Li Wong, Hoe Leong Sii, Chun Keat P'ng, Soon Sean Ee, Maw Pin Tan, Nik Sherina Hanafi, Kim Tien Ng, Jack Bee Chook, Yutaka Takebe, Kok-Gan Chan, Sarbhan Singh, I-Ching Sam, Kok Keng Tee. Clinical symptoms, comorbidities and health outcomes among outpatients infected with the common cold coronaviruses versus influenza virus.. PubMed. 2024.
- Ellen José van der Gaag, Thalia Zoe Hummel. Food or medication? The therapeutic effects of food on the duration and incidence of upper respiratory tract infections: a Review of the literature.. PubMed. 2021.
- Chan Lu, Yufeng Miao, Ji Zeng, Wei Jiang, Yong-Ming Shen, Qihong Deng. Prenatal exposure to ambient temperature variation increases the risk of common cold in children.. PubMed. 2018.
- Paul C Jordan, Sarah K Stevens, Jerome Deval. Nucleosides for the treatment of respiratory RNA virus infections.. PubMed. 2018.