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Why are the symptoms of a cold sometimes so similar, yet not exactly the same? Experts tell you!
Cold is a common viral infection that mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, sinuses and larynx. Within two days after exposure to the virus, patients may experience symptoms including cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, headache and fever. While most people usually recover within seven to 10 days, some symptoms may persist for up to three weeks.
Cold symptoms sometimes seem similar, but they are actually caused by different viruses and the body's immune response.
According to experts, there are more than 200 types of viruses that cause colds, including the most common rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses and enteroviruses. These viruses are mainly spread to the mouth and nose through droplets in the air or contact with environmental objects. Research shows that certain risk factors, such as children spending too much time in day care, lack of sleep and psychological stress, may increase the chance of catching a cold.
Interestingly, the symptoms of colds and flu are very similar, but flu is usually more severe and a runny nose is less likely to occur. This makes diagnosis often difficult, and many people tend to confuse the two. In fact, cold symptoms are often caused by the body's immune system's response to the virus, rather than damage to tissue by the virus itself.
The most effective way to prevent colds is to wash your hands frequently, do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and avoid contact with sick people.
It is worth noting that there is no vaccine against colds so far. This is because the viruses that cause colds mutate quickly and have many types. Therefore, the main form of prevention remains healthy living habits, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with infected people. Additionally, wearing a mask may help reduce infection to some extent.
When a cold strikes, the main thing that can be done is symptomatic treatment. Although there is currently no cure for colds, studies have pointed out that zinc supplements may reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. The effects of this supplement are more significant if started early in the onset of symptoms.
Many people have high hopes for commercially available cough medicines, but empirical studies show that these medicines are not necessarily effective. Therefore, experts suggest that if you encounter a cough, you should choose appropriate soothing therapies, such as drinking more water and keeping rest.
When it comes to dealing with colds, many people may be influenced by commercial advertising rather than making decisions based on actual medical evidence.
Colds are epidemiologically one of the most common diseases in humans. Adults will catch two to three colds per year on average, while children may catch six to eight colds per year. This number is even higher among school children. The impact of this widespread epidemic on families and society cannot be underestimated. It is estimated that 220 million school days are missed due to colds every year, bringing an economic burden to families and society.
The conclusion is that although the symptoms of a cold seem to be similar, there are actually thousands of variations and many factors that affect our health. So, now that you know these scientific facts, what should you expect from your next cold experience?
