The Common Cold Virus - Overview and Prevention

It’s easy for people to forget about the common cold virus, given all the attention and focus on the different types of flu’s out there today.

It seems that people are either quick to dismiss their symptoms as the flu, upper respiratory infection, or something else, because we don’t hear much about colds anymore. The truth, however, is that it’s far more likely that you have been affected by a cold virus than anything else.

Symptoms of a cold often are the same as the flu. If you catch the common cold, you will likely suffer from a slight fever, body aches, cough, stuffy and / or runny nose, watery eyes, and fatigue. Since these symptoms are so similar to symptoms of the flu, it can be hard to tell the difference between them. In fact, there are severe colds that feel exactly the same as the flu.

You should know that, when we talk about the common cold virus, there isn't just one; in fact, there are over 200 known types of viruses that will cause the common cold. This is why the ailment recurs so often. Since a person can never become immune to all of the strains of the cold that are out there, it can seem like the same illness keeps coming back. And we have not even taken into account the fact that there are probably many unknown strains of common cold viruses, as well as the fact that viruses tend to mutate into new strains over time.

It is estimated that small children in pre-school and elementary school can have between three and 12 colds yearly. Typically, symptoms will last about three to 10 days.

A common cold virus is spread much in the way that the flu is spread. When secretions, such as saliva or mucus, are touched directly, or a sick person touches their eyes, nose or mouth and then touches something else, the virus is able to spread to normal healthy people. This is why it is so important to keep as many things away from your face and mouth as possible. Pens, for example. Many people chew on pens, but in order to avoid the cold, this is a habit that needs to be broken.

There are some ways that you can prevent the spread of the common cold virus in your home and workplace, and these are relatively easy to carry out.

How to Prevent the Common Cold

• Wash your hands frequently in hot water, using a natural soap, and especially before you eat or touch your face, eyes or nose. Make hand washing a regular habit, especially during high cold and flu seasons.
  
  
• Disinfect things like phones, keyboards and doorknobs whenever possible. To minimize chemical exposure, use natural disinfecting agents, such as apple cider vinegar. Consider disinfecting kid’s toys as well.
  
  
• If you have children or work with them, make it a point to get them into the hand washing habit. By doing this, you will help them to prevent spreading their colds to others, and to stay healthier once they are done with their illnesses.
  
  
• Anyone's best defense against the common cold virus, or any other virus for that matter, is a strong immune system. Consume a healthy diet, avoiding refined and sugary foods, have enough rest, and exercise regularly. It’s also a good idea to start taking advantage of immune boosting herbs and supplements like echinacea, shitake mushrooms and garlic. These have all been found to boost the immune system and help improve your resistance to things like the common cold.

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