Cold and Flu Info » Cold and Flu

The Mechanics of Catching a Cold

admin — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:14:44 +0000

The common cold is spread by the cold virus being introduced into your nasal passages. This can be transmitted via body fluids droplets being carried through the air and landing inside your mouth or nose. Or it can also occur if you touch an infected person or item and the cold virus is transmitted from your hand if/when you touch your nose. The cold virus is then transported through your nasal passages by virtue of the way your nose functions, and is deposited into the adenoid area.

Image from commoncold.org

Once the cold virus enters the adenoid area (a lymph gland) it attaches to cells that are found there. Once the virus is taken inside the cell, it begins to start an infection and produce more virus particles. The infected cell eventually dies and ruptures, releasing newly made cold virus to infect other cells in the nose and start the process over again. From the time a cold virus enters the nose, it takes 8-12 hours for the viral reproductive cycle to be completed and for new cold virus to be released in nasal secretions.

Cold symptoms occur due to the body’s response to the infection. Around the same time the cold virus is released in nasal secretions, the body responds by activating parts of the immune system and some nervous system reflexes. These triggers cause the typical cold symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, etc.

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Cold Treatments

admin — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:03:50 +0000

Are you looking for the best cold treatments? Well you have come to the right place! I am experimenting with different methods and will be posting about my results as my kids and I go through different illnesses.

Obviously everyone would much prefer to avoid catching a cold in the first place, so first off check out my Top 5 Cold Prevention Tips post and then head back here to find out how to treat your cold if you still get one after following my tips.

Cold Treatments

If your cold prevention techniques didn’t work and you still catch a nasty cold, here are a few natural cold remedies you can try out:

Get lots of sleep
Allow your body to rest (no strenuous activities)
Hydrate yourself by drinking fluids constantly throughout the day
Use a humidifier to act as a decongestant

And if all else fails, you should treat your cold early and often with a series of over the counter cold treatments such as Antihistamines, Decongestants, and Cough Suppressants.

Technorati Tags: Cold and Flu, Cold Prevention, cold treatments, Flu Medicine, Natural Cold Remedies

Top 5 Cold Prevention Tips

admin — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 21:48:48 +0000

Everyone HATES catching a cold — especially since there are no actual cures for the common cold! All you can really do is get some rest, allow your body time to heal, and treat your symptoms. Instead of agonizing over what the best cold treatments are, I’ve found that the best thing to do is focus on cold prevention! Here are some of the best methods I’ve found for preventing colds:

Limit contact with people who are infected with the cold virus (especially during the first three days of their sickness)
Avoid touching your eyes and nose (the cold virus is easily passed when an infected hand touches these body parts)
Wash your hands frequently (this is most important after you have had contact with people or items that might be contaminated)
Use a hand sanitizer often (especially if you are unable to wash your hands immediately after potential contamination)
Keep your body functioning at it’s highest capacity by:

Taking a multi-vitamin daily

Taking immune booster products

Getting lots of rest

Avoiding stressful situations

Cold viruses are often prevalent in places where a lot of young children gather (schools, daycares, etc.) and where many people share the use of appliances, tools, etc. (workspaces). It is a good idea to take extra precautions when you find yourself frequently in these types of environments.

Technorati Tags: Cold and Flu, Cold Prevention, cold treatments, common cold, Flu Medicine, flu remedy, Natural Cold Remedies, prevent flu