As winter approaches every year, especially during seasonal transitions, there is an increase in common cold cases. Patients suffering from weaknesses, sore throats, and muscle aches associated with the common cold often seek answers to how it can be relieved. Particularly, the unconscious use of antibiotics can negatively affect kidney function, as antibiotics do not have any effect on alleviating the common cold. Therefore, patients with colds should avoid the unmonitored use of medication and follow the recommendations of a specialist internist.
Symptoms of the Common Cold
The common cold and flu are often illnesses that are confused with each other. Contrary to common belief, while both the common cold and flu are contagious diseases, the flu can present with much more severe clinical pictures compared to a cold. Since they can start with similar symptoms, it is impossible for the patient to determine on their own whether they have a cold or the flu. A diagnosis can be made upon examination.
Common cold symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
- Weakness
- Muscle pain
Common Cold in Infants and Children
The common cold is highlighted as one of the most frequently seen diseases in infants and children. Due to the large number of viruses that cause the common cold, it is impossible to gain full immunity, thus infants and children can experience multiple colds throughout the year. It is especially common in infants as they have not yet developed immunity against many viruses.
Precautions to take in protecting infants and children from the common cold:
- Regularly disinfect pacifiers and toys,
- Keep away from people who are sick as much as possible,
- If family members within the home are sick, use a tissue when coughing and sneezing,
- Ensure hands are washed before touching the baby or child and instill the habit of frequent hand washing in children
- Ensure that infants and children's diets are balanced
The most frequently asked question about the common cold is whether it is contagious. Contrary to popular belief that suggests it is not contagious, the common cold, despite its misleading name, is an infectious disease caused by viruses rather than cold exposure.
Modes of transmission for the common cold:
- Droplet spread in the environment when the infected person breathes
- Droplet spread when the infected person coughs or sneezes
- Contamination of objects touched by the infected person with virus-laden droplets that have transferred to their hands through sneezing or coughing
How to Recover from a Common Cold?
Those experiencing symptoms of a common cold often wonder about ways to recover. The most important step is to consult a specialist doctor. After a thorough examination, the specialist will diagnose and prescribe the necessary medications. Cold medications prescribed by the doctor are generally aimed at alleviating symptoms. Additionally, vitamins that boost body resistance may be recommended. During this period, avoiding the unmonitored use of medication, taking only those prescribed by the doctor, resting as much as possible, maintaining a balanced diet, consuming food rich in vitamins, and humidifying the room air to facilitate easy breathing are also suggested.
Ways to Prevent the Common Cold
To prevent the common cold:
- Maintain hand hygiene,
- Ventilate the environment frequently,
- Eat a balanced diet,
- Avoid smoking and staying in smoking environments,
- Avoid touching the nose and eyes without disinfecting hands
What Helps with the Common Cold?
Many people coping with the common cold research "what helps with the common cold?" to alleviate symptoms and accelerate the healing process. The main aim in cold treatment is to alleviate symptoms and support the immune system. Adequate fluid intake is crucial during this process. Water, lime flower tea, ginger tea, and rosehip tea not only soothe the throat but also meet the body's fluid needs, aiding recovery.
Moreover, consuming fruits rich in vitamin C (such as oranges, tangerines, and kiwis) can strengthen the immune system, thereby shortening the duration of the illness. The consumption of hot soups, especially chicken broth soup, is both nourishing and helps relieve respiratory passages during the cold period. Humidifying the environment with steam air devices or natural methods (such as hot water containers) can also alleviate nasal congestion.
What Helps with the Flu and Common Cold?
The flu and common cold are similar but caused by different viruses. There are several general precautions that can be taken against both. First of all, ample rest helps the body combat infection. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods (such as leafy greens, red berries, garlic) supports the immune system. Sea water sprays can be used to reduce nasal congestion.
Regular sleep and avoiding stress are key factors in strengthening the body's defense system. During this process, adhering to hygiene rules is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus and its transmission to others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a common cold and the flu?
Because the common cold and the flu begin with quite similar symptoms, they are often confused. However, the effects and courses of these two illnesses differ from each other. The common cold typically manifests with milder symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, mild cough, and weakness. Fever is usually absent or very low.
On the other hand, the flu appears with a sudden onset of high fever, chills, severe muscle and joint aches, extreme fatigue, and a dry cough with more severe symptoms. The flu is often so severe that it can confine the person to bed, while the common cold may be milder, allowing individuals to continue with daily activities. Therefore, when distinguishing between a common cold and the flu, attention should be paid to the severity of symptoms, and for an accurate diagnosis, one should consult an internist.
How long does the common cold last?
The common cold is typically a self-limiting viral infection that resolves within 7 to 10 days. The duration may be directly affected by the person's age, immune system status, and overall health condition. Symptoms may last longer or secondary infections may develop in children, the elderly, or individuals with chronic illness.
To accelerate recovery, it is important to rest, consume ample fluids, and maintain a balanced and vitamin-rich diet. Individuals curious about how a cold can be relieved may also benefit from natural methods supporting the immune system during this period. If symptoms persist past 10 days or worsen, a healthcare facility should be consulted.
Is it appropriate to use antibiotics for a common cold?
No, using antibiotics for a common cold is not appropriate. Since the common cold is a viral infection, antibiotics are not effective. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, and unnecessary use of these medications can harm the immune system and lead to antibiotic resistance.
It is important to know that antibiotics are not a solution when seeking answers to what helps with a cold. Only symptom-alleviating medications deemed appropriate by the doctor should be used, and arbitrary use of medications should be avoided. Especially in children and the elderly, the side effects of antibiotics can be more serious, so expert advice should be sought.
What should be done if a cold does not improve?
If cold symptoms persist for more than 10 days, worsen, or recurrent infections are observed, this may indicate an underlying health issue. For example, bacterial complications such as sinusitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia may have developed.
In such cases, consulting an internist or ENT specialist is necessary. The specialist will conduct a detailed evaluation using necessary blood tests and imaging methods to determine the appropriate treatment. Evaluation of the immune system and the initiation of supportive treatments may also be necessary. In cases of long-lasting or frequently recurring cold complaints, lifestyle factors, nutrition, and sleep quality should be reviewed.