In the autumn and winter, the unpleasant weather and the decrease in activity caused by the lack of sunshine means that there is a high risk of infection, and it is then extremely difficult to avoid catching a cold. On average, the average person catches a cold 2-4 times a year, while children can catch cold up to three times as often. So are there effective ways to protect yourself from viral infections that increase in the autumn period?
What is a cold?
The common cold is commonly referred to as inflammation of the upper respiratory tract of the nose, sinuses and throat caused by a viral infection. This ailment can be contracted up to several times a year. The most common symptoms of the common cold are a runny nose and sore throat. These are caused by RNA viruses that attack and inflame the upper respiratory tract, of which there are more than 200 types. These include rhinoviruses, coronaviruses and adenoviruses. Most of these are transmitted by the droplet route, while some attack the body through the oral route.
Symptoms of a cold
The most common symptoms of the common cold include:
- sneezing,
- runny nose, watery discharge from the nose,
- conjunctival irritation,
- headaches,
- sore throat,
- a subfebrile state or fever,
- malaise,
- muscle pain,
- hoarseness,
- cough.
How do we become infected?
Viruses are transmitted to us by droplets during activities such as talking, sneezing or coughing.
We are most commonly infected through:
- direct contact with the saliva of an infected person - kissing or drinking from the same vessel,
- contact with the patient's saliva and nasal secretions sprayed during sneezing,
- touching infected objects and transferring viruses from hands to mouth or nose. Some viruses can survive outside the human body for up to several days.
- staying in unventilated rooms,
- eating a contaminated product.
The symptoms and course of a cold depend on the virus that caused it. The infection can therefore be mild and short-lived, or various complications can develop.
Ways to deal with a cold
The risk of infection can be reduced by:
- matching the diet to the season,
- avoiding close contact with sick people,
- proper sneezing etiquette, covering the nose with a handkerchief.
- more frequent hand washing with warm water and soap or a special alcohol-based preparation,
- limiting staying in crowded rooms,
- frequent ventilation of rooms,
- walk at least 30 minutes a day,
- providing the body with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, and foods rich in vitamins C, B, zinc, iron and selenium,
- dressing appropriately for the weather conditions,
- hardening of the body (sauna, showers).
Can physiotherapy treatments reduce the risk of catching a cold?
In order to strengthen the body and gain immunity, visits to the salt cave or graduation towers, massages and treatments that promote the flow of lymph in the body can be used. This is because swelling of the upper respiratory tract, sinus problems or a constant feeling of fatigue and headaches can be caused by lymph stasis.
The right treatment can help you regain your wellbeing and reduce your risk of contracting infections. Building up immunity is also helped by relaxation massages and hot stone massages.
How to treat a cold?
Treatment of the common cold is based on controlling the symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually used to relieve the most troublesome symptoms of the infection. These inhibit bacterial growth and reduce pain. Nasal decongestants may also be administered.
The following are also often effective in treating the common cold herbal therapy. A sore throat is relieved, for example, by gargling with infusions of chamomile or sage.
In addition, the following can also be used:
- steam inhalations using herbs, the most common are thyme, sage, cloves, mint, chamomile and rosemary. Pure essential oils can also be used, such as eucalyptus oil, clove oil or tea tree oil,
- eating antibacterial garlic,
- drinking lime or raspberry teas,
- gargle with elderberry infusion.
With sinusitis, herbal mixtures that have a liquefying and diluting effect on secretions will be helpful. For example, verbena herb, gentian root, primrose flowers and sorrel herb can be used.
