Caught a Cold? 7 Mistakes You’re Probably Making

The common cold is an infection of the nose, sinuses, throat, and windpipe. It spreads easily, especially within homes, classrooms, and workplaces. There’s no cure for a common cold, but it usually goes away within a week to 10 days. Some common mistakes can worsen the cold symptoms or impede the healing process.

Therefore, it is essential to understand these common mistakes and not repeat them while suffering from a common cold. This article discusses some of these common mistakes people tend to make while they are sick.

What is the Common Cold?

A cold is a highly contagious infection of the upper respiratory tract that impacts the nose, throat, sinuses and windpipe. It often causes a runny nose, sore throat, and excessive sneezing. While a cold usually doesn’t cause a high temperature, taking a fever test can help rule out more serious infections like the flu. A fever test is useful in distinguishing between a mild cold and something more severe. Common cold is caused by viruses, most notably rhinoviruses, and spreads through respiratory droplets, interaction with infected individuals, or touching contaminated surfaces.

What are the Symptoms of the Common Cold?

Some common signs of the common cold include:

1. Sneezing
2. Runny nose
3. Cough
4. Body aches
5. Headache
6. Fatigue
7. Fever

What are the Common Mistakes People Make While Having a Cold?

Here are some of the worst things to do while sick, which will only prolong the cold:

1.Ignoring the Cold: Do not ignore a common cold. Take good care when sick, as the body needs extra energy while fighting an infection. Trying to power through a cold, especially with a fever, will only exhaust the body and slow down the healing process.

2.Taking Medication without Doctor’s Consultation: Do not take any readily available pill without consulting a doctor. A viral infection does not require antibiotics, but a bacterial one does. Only a doctor can tell the difference between the two. Thus, impulsively taking a pill can do more harm than good.

3.Drinking Too Little: Fluids help thin mucus, making the sinuses drain better. Drink a lot of fluids during a common cold. Any fluid can help drain the sinuses, including water, juice, hot tea, and even milk.

4.Drinking Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can make the body dehydrated and worsen cold symptoms such as congestion. It can also suppress the immune system. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid alcohol when suffering from a cold.

5.Smoking During Cold: Smoking is an addiction, and it might not seem easy to give up. But smoking damages cells in the lungs, making it harder to fight a cold. One must avoid smoking and prevent others nearby from smoking as well while suffering from a cold.

6.Taking Stress or Anxiety: High levels of stress hormones can stop the proper functioning of the immune system. Focus on relaxing and strengthening immunity. This will speed up the healing process and improve overall physical and mental well-being.

7.Ignoring Age-old Home Remedies: Home remedies for viral infections can work better than severe medications. Natural ingredients like ginger, honey, lemon, and turmeric can help cure a cold better and faster. These will also boost immunity and speed up the recovery.

How to Prevent the Common Cold?

Here are some preventive measures that can be taken to prevent the common cold:

1. Try to avoid interaction with sick people.
2. Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue while coughing or sneezing.
3. Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
4. Stay at home when sick and get plenty of rest.
5. Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.

The common cold may not seem like a serious disease, but neglecting proper care can prolong the symptoms and increase discomfort. One can achieve a quick recovery from a cold and strengthen their immunity by avoiding common mistakes, such as ignoring rest, self-medicating, avoiding cold things, or smoking during a cold.

Upon detecting any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult a doctor and schedule a fever test with Dr Lal PathLabs app.

Download the Dr Lal PathLabs app today for easy test booking.

FAQs

1. Is The Common Cold Contagious?

Yes, colds can be transmitted from person to person. To become infected, the cold virus must enter the body through the nose, eyes, or mouth. This occurs when someone touches a contaminated surface or inhales the air containing the virus.

2. Is Beer Good for a Cold and Cough?

Alcohol dehydrates the body and worsens cold symptoms of congestion. It can also suppress the immune system if consumed in large quantities. Thus, it is not advisable to drink alcohol in any form during a common cold.

3. What are The Signs Your Cold is Getting Better?

Symptoms of cold might start to fade within 7-10 days. Signs of recovery often include reduced congestion, less frequent coughing or sneezing, and a return of normal energy levels.