common cold is often an infection with rhinovirus, but more than 200 other viruses can cause it. common colds have always been associated with cold weather or winter. With the help of science, Humans discovered that the true reason for getting a cold is the viruses and viral infection. but why is it that people get infected only during colder weather, when the virus is present all around the year!!
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences can answer that question. To find out why, a group of scientists studied how a mouse-adapted cold virus fared in
rodent lungs and nasal cavities. What they perceived was that when a virus invaded warmer cells, the host cells produced significant amount of interferon and setting off an immune response. In the cooler nasal cavity cells, this mechanism of defense was less efficient, allowing the virus to spread more easily. These findings emphasizes the influence of the host’s response on the virus’s ability to replicate under the influence of variant temperatures.1
colds a
re very common,and easily spread, When a person infected with virus coughs or sneezes, droplets containing the virus spread through the air,and can enter another body through nose, mouth, or eyes. These viruses can also be spread through different types of
physical contact like hugging, kissing, shaking hands. or if a person touched his nose, eyes, or mouth after touching something contaminated with the virus.
The symptoms of the cold are signs that your immune system is
working to fight the virus.
People should be informed to seek medical attention if:
Having a temperature higher than 38 c*
Having symptoms lasting more than 10 days*
Having Severe or unusual symptoms*.2
A person can not always avoid catching a cold, but steps can be taken to diminish the risk of catching or spreading one. this can be carried out through washing the hands often with soap and water. Coughing and sneezing into tissues and throwing them away. Avoiding close contact with others. Disinfecting doorknobs and other surfaces and objects. Washing hands after sneezing, coughing, or nose blowing. 3
Usually, a cold will resolve within a week or two. No antiviral medications are available for treating 
the common cold, and antibiotics use is invalid in viral infections. Herbs,and other products such as garlic, honey, lemon, menthol, zinc and vitamin C may help fighting the infection. Adequate liquid intake is recommended. Hot drinks are especially comforting because they soothe sore throats and help clear mucus.
OTC products will not fight the virus, but may provide temporary
relief of symptoms. Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) can be used to relieve aches and pains. Keeping in mind that it is contraindicated in patients with asthma and/or peptic ulcers. Aspirin not to be given to children under 18
years old because it is associated with a risk of Re
ye’s syndrome.
Some of the OTC products that can be used are; Decongestant(pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine) can reduce nasal congestion by decreasing the swelling in nasal passages.
Antihistamine(diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine) help stop sneezing and will dry runny noses. Patients with thyroid disease or high blood pressure should not take decongestants.
Many over-the-counter cold remedies contain both of these ingredients.4
For generations, mothers have insisted that chicken soup is good for colds. A study published in the medical journal Chest in 2000, by Dr. Stephen Rennard of the University of Nebrask
a Medical Center may prove that there is some truth to this claim. Dr. stephen
conducted a study of chicken soup’s effectiveness as a cold remedy and found it had mild anti-inflammatory effects and could ease the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.5