Common cold

Series of (know your medication)

Common cold

The causes:

1- The attack of influenza virus to the nose or the eye.

2- Inhalation of the virus through the air.

3- Having contact with a contaminated surface then transferring the virus by the hand to the nose, the eye, or the mouth.

Factors which increase cold:

Travel and direct contact with the people in public and private transportations and in places of gatherings.

Ways to reduce cold:

1- Avoid friction, handshaking, and kissing the infected person as much as possible.

2- Do not put your hands on your eyes and nose because the virus remains alive on the skin for 3 hours.

3- Frequently wash the hands with water and soap along with good drying with handkerchiefs. It is preferable to use automatic water taps to avoid touching them.

4- The virus remains alive on hard surfaces for 48 hours, so keep those surfaces clean such as the phone, the keyboard, and the power steering.

Natural treatment:

1- Drink more water (8 glasses per day) to moisten the nose and the throat and ease congestion.

2- Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine such as tea and coffee because they dry the respiratory system.

3- Gargling with water and salt moistens the congestion of the throat.

4- Taking a rest in a moist and warm atmosphere but not hot.

5- Good nutrition because hunger increases cold.

6- Beware of smoking because it dries the throat and the nose which consequentially worsens the matter.

Chemical treatment:

Consult your family pharmacist who will advise you with the following:

1- Nasal spray which contains the salt solution.

2- Some medications for cold, pain killers, and cough medicines.

3- Medications of emulsification and topical medications which contain zinc are useful if they are used within 48 hours from the beginning of the cold.

4- Vitamin C as well as Echinacea.

Ask and consult your family pharmacist.