Common Cold Facts

As we all know, common cold is so common that an adult human being develops this condition at least three to four times a year. In case of young children this figure may leap to more than eight a year. Did you know that the common cold is responsible for almost 30% of missed days from school? Studies show that this condition is also behind 40% of time lost from work. It is a known fact that common cold is infectious, as it spreads easily. This is one of the reasons for this condition being common.

Facts about the Common Cold

Almost all of us are familiar with a cold and are aware of certain common facts about this condition. We know that it is common and infectious. It is also known that there is no cure for cold and it is a self-limiting condition that subsides on its own. Most of us have a long list of home remedies that help us to combat the condition. However, there are some little known facts about the common cold.

• Contrary to popular belief, a common cold is not caused by bacteria and so, antibiotics may not prove useful in treating the condition. There is no vaccination for this condition.
• It is caused by viruses. There are around 200 types of viruses that can cause the common cold. These include rhinoviruses, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, coronavirus, enteroviruses, metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. A single virus can produce around sixteen million viruses in a single day.
• One of the interesting common cold facts is that it is difficult for the body to develop total immunity against the condition. This is due to the wide range of cold-causing viruses. Apart from them, new ones develop on a constant basis.
• Transmission of common cold viruses is often caused by breathing of air contaminated with these viruses or by touching contaminated surfaces. It is interesting to find that viruses on hand may not infect the person, unless and until, it gets in touch with the nose, eyes or mouth.
• We all know that the symptoms of a common cold are annoying and can cause intense discomfort. Such symptoms include sneezing, cough, watery eyes, runny nose, nasal discharge and congestion, sore throat and even fever.
• Another common cold fact is that the symptoms of the condition are not caused by the action of the virus. In fact, it is the immune system reaction that aims at eliminating the virus. In other words, these symptoms are actually the part of the natural mechanism of the body to get rid of the virus. You will be surprised to know that those with strong immune systems may develop severe symptoms.
• In fact, there is no cure for the common cold. It is a self-limiting disease that subsides within ten days. So, home remedies are usually tried to reduce the severity of the symptoms and for faster healing.
• Do you know that proper rest can help to cure the condition. Other remedies include steam inhalation, salt water gargling, intake of lots of fluids, especially, herbal teas and chicken soup.

Apart from these, there are various fun facts and myths about this condition. It is a common misconception that cold weather can cause the common cold. Some people believe that going out with wet hair can cause you to catch cold. But, there is no scientific evidence for both these claims. A fun fact about cold is that a person with this condition can sneeze at a speed of more than 100 mph. Such a person can fill a handkerchief with more than 15,000 viruses within a time period of thirty seconds. Hand washing with soap is found to be best method for preventing cold, rather than using hand sanitizer.

This article is only for informative purposes. It is always better to clear your doubts about the common cold from your physician. In case, the cold symptoms worsen and do not subside within ten to fourteen days, seek medical attention.