The Changing Seasons Bring Cold and Flu – Do You Know These 9 Must-Dos After Catching a Cold?
The Changing Seasons Bring Cold and Flu – Do You Know These 9 Must-Dos After Catching a Cold?
As autumn arrives, you may have noticed more people around you catching colds. The Tiandian Network reminds everyone to be vigilant because the peak season for colds is approaching!
The Three Truths About Colds
A "Cold White Paper" released by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in October 2010 reveals three truths about colds:
Colds are a "syndrome" of upper respiratory tract infections caused by viruses, with over 100 different viruses capable of causing a cold.
Typically, cold symptoms last for about a week, regardless of whether you take medication or not.
The onset of a cold should be about a day before symptoms appear; at this point, the virus has already settled in your body.
More precisely, the cold virus incubates in the body for 18 to 48 hours before suddenly erupting. The earliest symptoms include a sore throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and fatigue.
Registered nurse Phyllis Brown explains that dryness makes it easier to catch a cold because the body's mucous membranes lose their ability to resist viruses when they are dehydrated.
The frequency of cold attacks varies from person to person. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children can catch a cold 8 to 10 times a year, while school-age children can experience up to 12 colds annually. This is not because they have weaker immune systems but because children have closer contact, increasing the chances of virus transmission.
In comparison, "aloof" adults catch colds 2 to 4 times a year, with women more susceptible than men. Women around the age of 30 are particularly vulnerable because they often serve as the primary caregivers for children.
Rest is Better Than Random Medication
Some people resort to taking antibiotics, which are ineffective against viruses and can worsen the condition. So, what are the essential things to do after catching a cold?
According to "Health Broadcast Network" in the United States, here are nine essential steps:
Step 1: Find a comfortable bed. After catching a cold, it's best to lie down in a comfortable bed. Dr. Liu Youning, Chief of the Respiratory Department at the PLA General Hospital, says that sleep is the "best medicine for a cold."
Step 2: Boost your vitamin C intake. Whether through vitamin C supplements or by consuming vitamin C-rich fruits like dates, oranges, kiwi, tangerines, and grapefruits, these can help alleviate cold symptoms.
Step 3: Eat a piece of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate not only provides antioxidants but also contains theobromine, which has a cough-suppressing effect, as shown by research from the University of London.
Step 4: Use a humidifier. The dry air in the autumn and winter seasons can make your respiratory tract uncomfortable. Placing a humidifier by your bed or sofa can help you breathe more easily. It's best to clean it thoroughly before use to prevent virus dissemination.
Step 5: Consume liquid foods. Hot soups and porridge are good choices. For centuries, chicken soup has been believed to alleviate cold symptoms. British researchers found this to be valid because certain components in chicken soup can reduce coughing, and the steam from hot soup and porridge helps relieve nasal congestion.
Step 6: Stay hydrated. Ensure you drink 2000 milliliters of fluids daily, including some electrolyte drinks.
Step 7: Avoid dairy products. Dr. Liu Youning suggests avoiding hard-to-digest dairy products when you have a cold, but you can have some milk. If you have a poor appetite, yogurt is a suitable option.
Step 8: Take over-the-counter medication. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or cough syrup can all alleviate cold symptoms. While these medications can't fight the virus, they can help you feel more comfortable.
Step 9: Be patient and let it run its course. Your illness will typically resolve itself within about 7 days. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen significantly, it's best to seek medical attention.
Three Treasures for Dealing with a Cold
While a cold is not a severe illness, continuous symptoms can make people restless. In response, the "Cold White Paper" provides some tips for relieving the three major symptoms: sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion.
Sore Throat: Gargle with saline water. Dissolve 7.5 grams of salt in 250 milliliters of warm water and gargle slowly to relieve throat pain. Gargle every 6 to 8 hours. Avoid using harsh mouthwash, as it can exacerbate dryness in the respiratory tract. If your voice is hoarse, avoid speaking loudly or in noisy environments. You can also use lozenges or sprays for more severe symptoms.
Cough: Cough syrup. Coughing is a means by which the body clears foreign substances, but severe coughing can disrupt sleep or lead to chest pain. The best approach is to take some cough syrup when you have a severe cough.
Nasal Congestion: Steam inhalation. Be gentle when blowing your nose; the guideline is to blow softly enough that you can't hear buzzing in your ears to avoid damaging the eardrum. If it's difficult to clear nasal congestion, inhaling hot steam or using mint oil or nasal drops may help.
As autumn arrives, you may have noticed more people around you catching colds. The Tiandian Network reminds everyone to be vigilant because the peak season for colds is approaching!
The Three Truths About Colds
A "Cold White Paper" released by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in October 2010 reveals three truths about colds:
Colds are a "syndrome" of upper respiratory tract infections caused by viruses, with over 100 different viruses capable of causing a cold.
Typically, cold symptoms last for about a week, regardless of whether you take medication or not.
The onset of a cold should be about a day before symptoms appear; at this point, the virus has already settled in your body.
More precisely, the cold virus incubates in the body for 18 to 48 hours before suddenly erupting. The earliest symptoms include a sore throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and fatigue.
Registered nurse Phyllis Brown explains that dryness makes it easier to catch a cold because the body's mucous membranes lose their ability to resist viruses when they are dehydrated.
The frequency of cold attacks varies from person to person. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children can catch a cold 8 to 10 times a year, while school-age children can experience up to 12 colds annually. This is not because they have weaker immune systems but because children have closer contact, increasing the chances of virus transmission.
In comparison, "aloof" adults catch colds 2 to 4 times a year, with women more susceptible than men. Women around the age of 30 are particularly vulnerable because they often serve as the primary caregivers for children.
Rest is Better Than Random Medication
Some people resort to taking antibiotics, which are ineffective against viruses and can worsen the condition. So, what are the essential things to do after catching a cold?
According to "Health Broadcast Network" in the United States, here are nine essential steps:
Step 1: Find a comfortable bed. After catching a cold, it's best to lie down in a comfortable bed. Dr. Liu Youning, Chief of the Respiratory Department at the PLA General Hospital, says that sleep is the "best medicine for a cold."
Step 2: Boost your vitamin C intake. Whether through vitamin C supplements or by consuming vitamin C-rich fruits like dates, oranges, kiwi, tangerines, and grapefruits, these can help alleviate cold symptoms.
Step 3: Eat a piece of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate not only provides antioxidants but also contains theobromine, which has a cough-suppressing effect, as shown by research from the University of London.
Step 4: Use a humidifier. The dry air in the autumn and winter seasons can make your respiratory tract uncomfortable. Placing a humidifier by your bed or sofa can help you breathe more easily. It's best to clean it thoroughly before use to prevent virus dissemination.
Step 5: Consume liquid foods. Hot soups and porridge are good choices. For centuries, chicken soup has been believed to alleviate cold symptoms. British researchers found this to be valid because certain components in chicken soup can reduce coughing, and the steam from hot soup and porridge helps relieve nasal congestion.
Step 6: Stay hydrated. Ensure you drink 2000 milliliters of fluids daily, including some electrolyte drinks.
Step 7: Avoid dairy products. Dr. Liu Youning suggests avoiding hard-to-digest dairy products when you have a cold, but you can have some milk. If you have a poor appetite, yogurt is a suitable option.
Step 8: Take over-the-counter medication. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or cough syrup can all alleviate cold symptoms. While these medications can't fight the virus, they can help you feel more comfortable.
Step 9: Be patient and let it run its course. Your illness will typically resolve itself within about 7 days. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen significantly, it's best to seek medical attention.
Three Treasures for Dealing with a Cold
While a cold is not a severe illness, continuous symptoms can make people restless. In response, the "Cold White Paper" provides some tips for relieving the three major symptoms: sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion.
Sore Throat: Gargle with saline water. Dissolve 7.5 grams of salt in 250 milliliters of warm water and gargle slowly to relieve throat pain. Gargle every 6 to 8 hours. Avoid using harsh mouthwash, as it can exacerbate dryness in the respiratory tract. If your voice is hoarse, avoid speaking loudly or in noisy environments. You can also use lozenges or sprays for more severe symptoms.
Cough: Cough syrup. Coughing is a means by which the body clears foreign substances, but severe coughing can disrupt sleep or lead to chest pain. The best approach is to take some cough syrup when you have a severe cough.
Nasal Congestion: Steam inhalation. Be gentle when blowing your nose; the guideline is to blow softly enough that you can't hear buzzing in your ears to avoid damaging the eardrum. If it's difficult to clear nasal congestion, inhaling hot steam or using mint oil or nasal drops may help.
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