How is the Common Cold Expands:

How is the common cold transmitted inside the nose?

Common Cold Causes:

The common cold is initially a viral infection of the lining of the nose. Cilia, small hairs, inside of the nose transmit the virus up and back into the region of the adenoids, sometimes causing cough and sore throat. The common cold is one of the major reasons for doctor visits every year, but doctors typically recommend an over the counter remedy for common cold symptom relief. Symptoms typically last for about a week. Some people recover more quickly. Others take longer to recover. Some preventatives, such as vitamin C supplements, are also recommended as a remedy for common cold symptoms, since some studies have shown that they may reduce the duration of symptoms in some people.
How is the common cold transmitted from one person to another?
Sneezing is the body's attempt to rid itself of the virus. When a person who has a cold sneezes, the discharge is full of live viruses and these viruses can live for as long as three hours on surfaces and skin. Since the viruses are microscopic and become airborne after a person who has a cold sneezes and to a lesser extent when they cough, you can inhale the viruses without realizing it. And, if you touch the skin of a person who has a cold or another surface that they have touched, then the viruses can be transmitted to your own nose, if you touch your face. Hand washing kills the viruses, thus it is important to wash your hands often, particularly if you are around someone who is sick or if you work with the public.

Common Cold Symptoms:

How is the common cold transmitted at home?
Some people believe that a heat pump or other forms of dry forced air heat increase the spread of common cold viruses, but it is more likely that the viruses are carried into the home by family members who have been in contact with someone who had a cold. Once the virus is in the house, it can spread easily among family members. Hand washing and disinfectants may reduce the spread, but it is hard to avoid someone you live with. It has been said that avoiding a remedy for common cold will decrease the duration of symptoms, allowing the body to rid itself naturally of the virus. But, there is no evidence supporting this idea. Allowing sneezing and runny nose to continue increases the likelihood that someone else will "catch the cold".
How is the common cold transmitted in schools?
It is believed that the large number of children in the classroom and the close contact among them increases the frequency of common colds. Some focus has been placed on educating children about the importance of hand washing and some elementary schools request that parents provide tissue and waterless hand cleansers. These hand cleansers may not kill the viruses, but the action of hand washing rubs them off. Parents should use caution when choosing a remedy for common cold symptoms for their children. Products containing aspirin have been linked to episodes of Reye's syndrome in children recovering from a viral infection. A multi-symptom remedy for common cold may contain aspirin. Also, check the ingredients for alcohol and antihistamines which can cause drowsiness and allergic reactions.

Cold and Flu Treatment – Speed Up Recovery:

No one likes being bedridden with cold or flu. By all means, we would love to stay immune to these ailments as they can disrupt our day to day activities. However, these ailments frequently enter our lives like unwanted guests and interfere with our routine, until they are eradicated.
Let’s discuss cold and flu treatment in isolation from each other.
Cold Treatment
First and foremost, kill the thought of taking antibiotics to get rid of cold. Antibiotics do very little to cure this problem, unless the cold is associated with any other infection. If you are simply suffering from cold, then the best thing to do is get some rest. Your recovery period will be determined by the amount of rest you give to your body. Remember, rest is an excellent opportunity for your body to fix all irregularities.
Another effective age-old remedy that works wonder when affected by cold is steam inhaling. Get yourself a bowl of hot water and inhale the passing steam. This will offer you instant relief from stuffy nose and ease off your condition. It’s a good idea to include menthol crystals in the boiling water to add more flair to the treatment.
Most people commit the mistake of compromising on their diet when they are not keeping well. Make sure that you eat well and supply your body with plenty of fluid so that your body does not feel deprived from all the desired nutrients. Remember, depriving your body from adequate food and fluid will hamper the recovery process.
Apart from this, home remedies like ginger infused with hot water will also offer you relief from this condition.
Flu Treatment
An individual experiences different degree of flu. Depending upon the severity of the condition, one will have to take appropriate amount of rest. There is a possibility that you might end up being bed-ridden for a few weeks if you are being affected by a strong flu.
Resorting to antibiotics is not a wise choice to make over here, unless the flu has a relationship with any other ailment. More than often, antibiotics weaken our immune system in the long run. However, as a last resort you can always consider them after consulting your doctor.
Get yourself plenty of sleep during this stage. It’s often lack of sleep and unwanted pressure on our mind and body that weakens our health, thus resulting into such conditions. Treating your body with adequate sleep will allow it to regain the lost energy, thus speeding up the recovery process. Avoid all kinds of physical activity that can drain you physically as well as mentally. Remember, your weak body will not be able to bear such pressure. Also, make sure that you check your diet and drink plenty of water.
If your flu shows no signs of improvement for more than a week, then you need to take some time and visit the doctor. He/she will properly diagnose your condition to help you deal with the ailment.

How to Stop a Cough - Cough Protections:

 

Winter season is fast approaching and many children and even adults will start to catch some cold that cannot be treated easily. But, there are still hopes to stop this dreaded cough from ruining your winter season. By reading this article you can find ways that you can apply every night to quickly stop cough from attacking.
This will definitely make your cough disappear when you woke up. No need to be awake every night because of the occurrence of heavy cough. You do not need to take addictive cough syrup because this are all natural solution that can help a lot of people especially children.
1. The first step you have to do is to get a warm blanket before going to sleep. This can help your child suffering from cough to be very comfortable. During bedtime make sure that you have enough blankets to cover the whole body including the feet and chest. As your child start to cough during the middle of the night while everyone is already sleeping, you do not need to take away the blanket. Make sure that the blanket is properly place to cover his whole body from chest to his feet.
2. The next step is to get a clean thick towel. This clean towel is for the person who is suffering from cough. If there is no available clean towel you can also use or substitute a clean t-shirt for this next step. Always ensure that the blanket is pulled over up to the chest of your child. Avoid the blanket from covering his face.
3. The third thing to do is to place the towel or the t-shirt around the neck of your child, but not too tight. Ensure that there is no visible skin showing around your child’s neck while he is sleeping. Make him snuggle in his blanket with his neck covered thoroughly. When your child woke up observe if his cough is gone or do not get worse. But it can surely take away your child’s cough before it actually gets worse if not given extra care and attention.
4. If the cough suddenly occurs, you can make a mixture of garlic and honey. Before going to bed and repeat the above step to definitely get rid of this cough.
5. It is important for your child to always drink enough recommended glasses of water each day especially if he is suffering from cough.
6. Elevate his pillow at night if he is suffering from extreme occurrence of cough together with this above procedure. It can surely make his cough go away.
7. In the morning have your child a quick hot steamy bath. You can also rub some Vicks vapor rub unto the soles or your child’s feet and put some socks before bedtime.
Combine all of these useful ideas and you can be worry free about your child’s cough. You can eliminate or fight this cough before it gets worse. Just follow these simple tips to help your child feel very comfortable.