Common Ailments

COLD AND FLU

It is estimated that there are over 200 viruses that cause the common cold.

This large number of viruses has made the development of a single effective cold vaccine impossible thus far. The viruses cause infection by penetrating the mucus membrane in the nose.

Most of these infections seldom cause anything more than normal cold symptoms although some can lead to more serious illness.

The common cold is the result of a viral infection within the nose and throat. It causes a barrage of symptoms (familiar to most of us) that include:

• A runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Headache
• Mild fever

CONTAGION

The viruses that cause the cold are spread both in airborne droplets and through touch. A person carrying the infection may carry the virus on their hands after touching their nose and face, and can then transmit this through touch.

A carrier of the virus becomes ‘contagious’ a day or so before their symptoms first appear two to three days after the infection. Cold symptoms normally appear and may still transmit traces of the virus up to three or four days after their symptoms have cleared.

One myth that is gradually being undermined is that you can catch a cold as a result of being exposed to cold temperatures or catching a chill. This myth has grown out of the fact that colds are so much more common during the winter months. This is actually because the climate during the winter months, with low levels of humidity, suits the virus so much more than summer and spring time. The cold is also easily transmitted during winter months, when people tend to spend time indoors in enclosed spaces with others.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

There are a wide range of cold and flu remedies available at your local Numark pharmacy. Most of these reduce specific symptoms; many contain painkillers that relieve the pain of a sore throat or headache, or decongestant ingredients that reduce the infection’s inflammation of the mucus membrane in the nose or throat.

There are many combination remedies that attack the main cold and flu symptoms.

Some simple tips in preventing cold infection include:

• Avoiding people who have colds
• Staying away from crowded and enclosed places where the risk of infection is greater
• Washing your hands thoroughly after contact with anyone who has a cold to remove traces of the virus possibly transmitted through touch
• Keeping rooms well aired

Many people now use vitamin C as a dietary supplement that may help to prevent colds (vitamin C has antioxidant and immune
boosting properties).

Many vitamin C supplements are also combined with Zinc because it is believed to have anti-viral  properties. It is claimed that if you take Zinc within hours of the onset of a cold it may help to speed recovery from the infection and reduce symptoms. Research is still being conducted upon these claims.

A healthy diet is certainly likely to help prevent cold infections because it generally supports the immune system, meaning your defences against viruses will be stronger.

For further advice on cold and flu relief consult your Numark Pharmacist.