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We've long said we need a cure for the common cold. There's talk there may be drugs coming that will inhibit the
attachment of a cold virus to our cells or that will stop the virus from reproducing. The thought of more medications
scares me. Our bodies have been inundated with drugs for almost everything to the point many of us have to resort
to stronger and stronger doses to cure anything.
On the other hand, we should know all we can about the common cold and flu-how it's spread, what we should or should not do, the typical symptoms, etc. Basic facts about colds and flu: * Current flu vaccines do not cause the flu because they contain no live viruses. However, this year there may be some weakened virus shots or nasal sprays, which will speed immunity. * Cold viruses spread from hard surfaces such as telephones so if one uses a contaminated instrument and then touches noses or eyes, the virus can be transmitted. Contact with those who have a cold can also spread the virus. * Following the onset of a cold, an infected person can be contagious for up to four days; if a person has the flu, the contagious period lasts up to a week. * Any soap, not necessarily antibacterial, fights germs. Alcohol and bleach are also sanitary agents. * Colds are spread most by bodily contact or the sharing of infected hard surfaces (such as the telephone). Flu, however, spreads rapidly with proximity to the coughing and sneezing of an infected individual. * Colds and flu cannot be treated with antibiotics because viruses and not bacteria cause them.
* Washing hands regularly. * Treating hard surfaces that an infected person comes in contact with. * Staying away from infected persons for the proper amount of time. * Getting an annual flu shot.
* Sore throat and a stuffy nose accompany a cold, but are present less often with the flu. * Sneezing is usual with a cold but not as often with the flu. * Chest pain and a cough can be moderate with a cold and the cough is usually the "hacking" kind. The symptoms are more common to the flu and often become severe. * A headache is seldom caused by a cold but it's quite prevalent with the flu. * Likewise, fever is rare with a cold but is characteristic of the flu and it's not unusual for the temperature to stay in Go To Page: 1 2 |
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