What is a cold?
A "cold" can refer to two different things: a viral illness and a decrease in temperature.
Viral Illness (Common Cold): When people commonly refer to a "cold," they are usually talking about a viral illness, known as the common cold. The common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by a variety of viruses, most commonly the rhinovirus. It typically involves symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, mild headache, and sometimes a low-grade fever. Colds are highly contagious and are typically not serious, but they can be quite bothersome. They tend to resolve on their own within a week or two.
Decrease in Temperature: On the other hand, a "cold" can also simply refer to a reduction in temperature. In this context, people use the term "cold" to describe a drop in environmental temperature, which can lead to a chilly or frigid feeling. This is the opposite of "warm" or "hot" and can be experienced in various weather conditions, especially during the winter months.
It's important to clarify the context when someone mentions a "cold" to determine whether they are talking about a medical condition or a change in temperature.
Symptoms of a cold.
The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system. Symptoms of a cold can vary from person to person, but they typically include the following:
Runny or Stuffy Nose: This is one of the most common symptoms of a cold. You may experience a clear or slightly discolored nasal discharge.
Sneezing: Frequent sneezing is often a sign of a cold.
Cough: A dry or productive cough may be present, especially as the cold progresses.
Sore Throat: A scratchy or irritated throat can be a symptom of a cold.
Fatigue: Many people with a cold experience tiredness and general malaise.
Mild Headache: A mild to moderate headache is common.
Watery Eyes: Excessive tearing or watery eyes can occur.
Slight Fever: Some individuals may develop a low-grade fever, but high fevers are not typical of a cold.
Mild Body Aches: You may experience mild body aches and pains.
Mild Chest Discomfort: Some people with a cold may feel mild discomfort in the chest.
Slight Earache: Ear discomfort can occur due to congestion and pressure changes in the ears.
Loss of Taste or Smell: A diminished sense of taste or smell is possible during a cold.
These symptoms are usually mild and tend to come on gradually. The common cold is typically a self-limiting condition, and symptoms generally improve within a week to ten days. However, it's important to note that if your symptoms worsen, persist for an extended period, or are accompanied by high fever, severe headache, or other concerning signs, you should consult a healthcare professional, as it may be a sign of a more serious illness.
What is the cause of a cold?
The common cold is primarily caused by viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common culprits. There are over 200 different viruses that can cause cold symptoms, and rhinoviruses are responsible for a significant portion of cold cases. Other viruses that can lead to cold-like symptoms include coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The cold virus is highly contagious and is typically transmitted from person to person through:
Airborne Transmission : When an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing the virus can become airborne. Inhaling these droplets can lead to infection.
Direct Contact : Touching an infected person, such as shaking hands, or coming into contact with surfaces or objects that have the virus on them (e.g., doorknobs, light switches) can also result in transmission if you then touch your face, especially your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Indirect Contact : The virus can also be spread through indirect contact, where a person touches a contaminated surface or object and then touches their face, introducing the virus to the respiratory system.
Because there are many different viruses that can cause the common cold, and they can mutate over time, it is challenging to develop vaccines or specific antiviral medications for the common cold. Therefore, the best way to prevent a cold is through good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and practicing respiratory hygiene, like covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Medicines to treat colds are often used in Vietnam.
1. Antihistamin
1.1 Telfast HD 180mg
- Ingredient: Fexofenadin hydroclorid 180mg
- Uses : Adults and children 12 years of age and older: The recommended dose of Telfast HD 180mg is 1 tablet per day.
Medicines to treat colds are often used in Vietnam.
1.2 Deslornine
Medicines to treat colds are often used in Vietnam.
- Ingredient: Desloratadin 5mg.
- Uses: Adults and children 12 years and older: 1 tablet/time/day.
2. Paracetamol
Medicines to treat colds are often used in Vietnam.
- Ingredient: Paracetamol 650mg.
- Uses:
The interval between two doses must be more than 4 hours and do not take more than 6 pills/day.
Adults and children > 12 years old: take 1 pill/time.
Do not arbitrarily use medicine for more than 3 days to reduce fever or more than 10 days to relieve pain
3. Vitamin C
Medicines to treat colds are often used in Vietnam.
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ABC Pharmacy- 29 HOANG DIEU
Address 1 : 495 Cua Dai, Hoi An, Quang Nam - +84 235 3929 599
Address 2 : 140 Nguyen Truong To, Hoi An, Quang Nam - +84 235 3788 345
Address 3 : 29 Hoang Dieu, Hoi An, Quang Nam – +84 235 6336 599
Address 4 : 46 Dao Duy Tu, Hoi An, Quang Nam - +84 235 3879 599
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