On average one out of sixty people will suffer from a cold, hence the term, the common cold!

The common cold is the most prevalent upper respiratory illness affecting humans and is caused by a virus known as the rhinovirus. The rhinovirus is a microscopic organism, which invades the mucus cells of the nose to disrupt their normal function and parasitically use these cells for viral reproduction.

There are now about 250 known rhinoviruses in the community – meaning there are 250 colds out there for you to catch. So far, only the immune system can find a cure for each of these strains and only when you’ve had the cold of a particular strain will you be immune to it. Your system will develop anti-bodies to fight off each strain you come in contact with. Therefore, you can only get each cold strain once.

The common cold itself is not a serious condition (except in the very young or elderly where it can lead to complications) and usually only lasts from 2-7 days depending upon the virility of the strain and the health/well-being of the person.

At this time, there is no real fast cure for this condition. Medical treatment is seldom needed for a cold. However, there are a number of remedies and ways to help relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

How to know if you have a cold…

Take a look at these symptoms. If you have any of the following you have probably contracted a cold virus.

· Runny or congested nose

· Red eyes

· Sneezing

· Headaches

· Decreased appetite

· General body-ache

· Sore throat

· Dry cough

· Pain around or behind the eyes

· Diarrhea

· Vomiting

· Fatigue

Ways to minimize the effects of a cold virus:

· Isolate yourself from others so you won’t pass it on. Colds are very contagious.

· Drink extra liquids (water, tea, juices, or chicken soup) to avoid dehydration. Staying hydrated will keep the moist linings of your nose and throat from becoming dry. Mucus will stay moist and flow out of your body. (A runny nose is better than a stuffy nose.)

· Take care of your immune system by sticking to a healthy balanced diet of fruits and vegetables.

· Use a mist humidifier to keep the air moist. This will help prevent the delicate linings of your nose and throat from drying out.

· Gargle with warm salt water to soothe your sore throat pain as this will shrink the mucous membranes in your throat and decrease the pain from inflammation.

· Take extra vitamin C, which may shorten the duration of your cold. Vitamin C also may work as a natural decongestant. The best dose appears to be 500 mg four times per day. Anything more will not absorb well into the body. This is not medically proven.

· Cider Vinegar – It’s been said that Cider Vinegar can help to reduce your chances of contracting a cold by taking a teaspoon of cider vinegar in a tumbler of water at breakfast and another with the main meal of the day – every day. The remedy is also beneficial in that it cleanses the palate and helps to break down fats and prevent clogging of the arteries. This is not medically proven.

· Take hot showers to relieve nasal stuffiness. Steam will shrink the mucous membranes in your nose and throat and aid mucus drainage.

· Take a decongestant to relieve stuffiness and nasal congestion. Check with your doctor if you have high blood pressure.

· Take cough medicine to relieve a cough.

· Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate the aching and reduce the fever.

· Take an antihistamine to reduce sneezing and runny nose.

· Use a nasal-decongestant spray for 3 days or less to avoid the rebound effect, which may cause increased congestion later.

· Wash your hands frequently. This will prevent the spread of your cold to others.

· Use tissues instead of handkerchiefs to avoid spreading germs.

· Slow down a little. Rest when you get home from work or school.

· Get extra sleep. Your body needs more rest as it fights off the infection.

When a cold has become something worse (i.e. infection):

· A change in the color of mucus could indicate an infection.

· Facial pain could indicate a possible sinus infection.

· Labored, shallow, and rapid breathing may indicate a more serious condition, requiring immediate medical attention.

If you are ever unsure of your health you should contact your doctor.