What is this disease we call the cold and how did it come about?

Most of us have a stuffy nose and start coughing and sneezing when we can’t be comfortable with whatever we wear from winter to spring or from spring to winter. Get well soon, it means we have a cold. So most likely we have a cold, maybe we have the flu. If you often confuse what is the difference between a cold and the flu? Don’t worry, you are never alone.

Basically, cold and flu are a type of respiratory disease caused by viruses. However The virus or viruses that cause these two diseases are different. So much so that, due to the virus that causes the disease, it is possible to get over one of them lighter and sleep on a duvet in the other. Don’t worry, it will be good if you drink something hot in both, but still, let’s take a closer look at what a cold is, how it came out, and see what’s different from the flu.

Let’s start with a basic definition; What is cold?

The flu, also known as the common cold, is a type of respiratory illness. It affects our nose and throat. Often considered harmless and it’s normal for us to live several times a year. The cold is a viral disease, that is, it is transmitted to us through the virus. Of course, it is considered a contagious disease because it can infect others as well as us.

What are the symptoms of gradual flu?

• It is the incubation stage for 1 – 3 days after exposure to the cold virus and there are no symptoms in general.
• The first symptoms are seen within 1-3 days, which varies according to the duration of the incubation phase. These are sore throat, stuffy nose, runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, and headache and body aches.
• For 3 – 10 days, flu symptoms last and there may be changes in mucus color.
• In some people, symptoms such as a cough can last longer than 10 days, but recovery is almost complete.

Although the symptoms and stages of the cold vary from person to person, it generally proceeds this way. It is normal for a cold to last 7 to 10 days. Some symptoms, such as a cough, may persist for much longer, but as long as they are not accompanied by other symptoms, there is no need to worry.

Okay, so how is the cold different from the flu?

The flu symptoms and flu symptoms, which we have explained step by step above, show themselves in the same way almost until the day of. Because both are respiratory diseases that result from viruses. So how is the cold different from the flu?

Namely, the cause of the disease we call the flu is the influenza virus. There is no other virus known to cause the flu. The cause of the common cold is rhinovirus, picornavirus, seasonal coronavirus and more. Even a physician cannot understand the difference between flu and cold unless he can easily test and detect the virus.

Of course, the most visible difference between them is the intensity of the symptoms. When you have the flu, you experience all the symptoms much more intensely. The flu virus can then cause bacterial infections, pneumonia, and even hospitalization. In colds, you blow your nose for a week at most and cough a little.

When do colds and flu become contagious?

Although cold is a mild disease, its contagiousness is quite high. Symptoms have not yet appeared from the incubation period to the second week when symptoms begin to disappear It’s possible for you to get a cold. The most intense contagion period is the 2-3 day period when the symptoms are most intense.

The contagiousness of the flu is similar to the common cold. Symptoms have not yet appeared with an incubation period for one week after symptoms appear You can transmit the flu virus. Children and people with compromised immune systems are the number one risk group for the flu virus.

Are there types of colds that we can take different precautions for?

Here we have to correct a common misconception. Occurs in the spring in many people. seasonal allergies, dust allergy, pollen allergy, sun allergy and similar allergic reactions They are considered a type of flu because they show very similar symptoms to the common cold, but this is not true.

As we explained above, the common cold is a respiratory disease transmitted by viruses. Well Although the symptoms of an allergic reaction may look like a cold, they are not actually a cold. Of course, you may have had a cold when your allergy increased, but you wouldn’t get a cold because of pollen, you would only have an allergic reaction.

When did the flu first appear, what was done to treat it?

If you think that diseases such as colds and flu are the diseases of sensitive people of the new era, you are wrong because oldest source we have of the common cold It is an Egyptian papyrus named Ebers written on medicine dating to the 16th century BC. In other words, as humanity, we have been suffering from colds for thousands of years.

The first scientific studies on the common cold were initiated by the Medical Research Council in England in 1946. In 1956, the council’s Colds Unit discovered the rhinovirus. In the 1970s, it was discovered that it was a protein that would provide protection against the virus in its incubation period. Shortly before closing, this unit also developed zinc gluconate lozenge therapy.

Until 2009, scientists from many different parts of the world studied the effect of antivirals on cold viruses. but could not get any tangible results. Many studies that may be effective against picornaviruses are still in progress. The most effective is a double-stranded RNA-activated antiviral therapy, but it is still in development.

Although not certain, there have been cases where taking zinc at the first appearance of cold symptoms shortened the duration of illness. The use of garlic and echinacea without scientific evidence is also It is quite common in case of flu. Even if it does not have a direct effect on the cold, the use of vitamins C and D is also recommended because it strengthens the immune system.

What is good for the cold, how does it go?

• Get lots of rest and sleep.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• For hot teas.
• You can gargle with salt water.
• You can inhale salt water into your nose.
• You can consume vitamin C.

These are some of the treatment methods that you can apply on your own when you have a cold in general. The important thing is to get rid of the disturbing symptoms of the disease by resting. and it keeps your body strong.

When should I go to the doctor?

• If your symptoms are getting worse and don’t seem to get better
• If your fever is above 38.5 for more than three days
• If your fever has decreased but has increased again
• If you are experiencing shortness of breath
• If you are wheezing
• If you have an unusual throat, head or sinus pain

If the symptoms of your common cold have started to become abnormal and you are feeling the above symptoms, you should definitely It is recommended to go to the nearest health institution. In babies and children, these symptoms should be taken very seriously and in case of doubt, a doctor should be consulted without waiting.

Do not expect to be sick; Here are the precautions you can take to avoid a cold

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Rinse your mouth and clear your nose.
• Use tissue when coughing and blowing your nose, then throw it away.
• Do not share glasses, cutlery, etc. with other people.
• Stay away from people you know are sick.
• Eat healthy.
• Exercise regularly.
• Do not smoke.
• Sleep regularly.
• Keep your immune system strong.

A few times a year we’re in trouble what is the cold, how did it come about, how is it different from the flu We answered frequently asked questions such as: What we describe is for informational purposes only. Do not forget that you should get the most accurate and specific information about cold and flu from a specialist physician, as in all health issues.