A common virus cold is one of the most popular diseases today. It is estimated that most people get this type of cold from two to four times a year. Children are more prone to getting it more than the adults and they suffer from it from six to ten times a year.
Since viruses do not react to antibiotics and similar medicines, the usual treatment for a virus cold is to simply wait until it goes away. It usually lasts one week, but the duration varies from person to person and depends on many factors, including the general health of the patient. However if the cold is still present after two weeks it may be a sign of a more serious condition and the person should seek medical advice.
A virus cold is usually contracted through contact, like handshaking, kissing or hugging.
The most common symptoms of a virus cold are a runny or congested nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, fatigue, low grade fever and watery eyes.
During the virus cold season, the infection can be prevented by washing the hands regularly, especially after being in contact with a person who already has a cold, by disinfecting the surfaces that are touched frequently and by avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated rooms.
Drinking enough fluids is the most important step for curing a cold. Water, tea, herbal tea, juice and soups work best. Fluids are important for mucous membranes that dry easily during a cold for preventing dehydration due to fever and to accelerate the expulsion of toxins from the body.
Drinks that contain caffeine and alcoholic beverages are not recommended as they contribute to dehydration.
Vapors and hot baths are very useful for a person who has a cold. They help with congestion and in addition some believe that high temperatures kill the virus. Humidifiers are recommended as well.
Hot soups, especially chicken soup, are among the oldest and most popular cold remedies. Chicken contains some ingredients that reduce the swelling of the mucous membrane and restore protein in the body.
Rest is a vital element for overcoming a cold. Some people decide to fight through the cold but studies have shown that rest reduces significantly the period of illness.
Washing the mouth with a saline solution (salt water) is a good cure for a sore throat. It is made with half a teaspoon of salt, preferably sea salt, dissolved in a glass of warm water.
Smoking, included passive smoking is proven to prolong the cold so smokers should refrain from this bad habit until they get better of possible.
There are a number of foods that boost the immune system and help cure the cold. Those foods include garlic, honey, peppermint, citrus fruits and fresh vegetables and foods that contain zinc.
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