Colds are one of the most common medical conditions and can be triggered by one of over 200 different types of viruses. Because of this, it is impossible for the human body to develop the antibodies against all of these viruses. In most cases, a cold will last for about a week while the milder versions will last or a period of about 3 days. The more severe cases of a cold could possibly last for about a couple of weeks. Some people may even suffer from a chronic cold, also known as hay fever, and will constantly have a runny nose throughout the year. Some of the most common symptoms include sneezing, a nasal obstruction, a sore and scratchy throat as well as other symptoms like a headache, chills and a feeling of malaise. On an average, every individual will suffer from a cold about 2 or 3 times during the course of the year while the figure may reach about 6 times in children. A common cold is extremely contagious and can be transferred from one person to another simply through hand to hand contact with any infected secretions present. The virus is also capable of surviving for a few hours on an inanimate object such as keyboards, pens or pieces of paper.
Almost about 50% of all common colds are caused by the rhinovirus, which is invisible and is present in the air we breathe or even on some objects we use in our daily lives. There are a number of preventive measures you could take to avoid either getting affected or spreading the virus. Simple actions like covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing as well as not smoking or being around an individual that smokes could prevent you from exposing yourself to a number of virus particles that are able to travel up to 12 feet through the air when anyone coughs or sneezes.
One of the most effective home treatments for a cold is lime juice and is useful in dealing with all types of colds that are accompanied by fever.
Another very effective option is Ginger. Simply cutting a few pieces of ginger and boiling it in a cup of water that should be drunk when still warm will help significantly. Your diet will also play a significant role in the recuperation process. Avoid eating any solid foods while still affected by a cold. Instead, increase your intake of fruit and vegetable juices that can be diluted with some water.
answered by G M