Colds: Causes, symptoms, transmission, and treatment (2)

What is a cold, and when does it most often occur?

“A cold is a common viral disease which is also technically known as nasopharyngitis, rhinopharyngitis, or acute coryza. It is most commonly known as a cold and it affects everyone from time to time. It can be quite an unpleasant situation, however, for children, seniors, and pregnant women,” says MUDr. Jaroslava Čiefová, general practitioner for adults from the EUC Clinic Prague – Šustova.

The time when colds occur most frequently is in the autumn and winter months, since this is when people mostly gather in enclosed spaces where there is closer contact. If an otherwise healthy individual catches a cold, it is usually over without further complications within a week. If you experience more severe problems, however (high fever, general body pain), it’s probably the flu.

Which viruses cause colds?

There are about 200 different viruses responsible for a cold. The rhinovirus (RNA virus from the Picornaviridae family) is the cause in up to 80% of cases. In about 10 to 15% of cases these are coronaviruses while the rest of the infections are usually caused by the flu virus. However, colds can also develop under the influence of other pathogens, such as human parainfluenza viruses, human respiratory syncytial virus, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, or metapneumovirus.

In contrast, kidney colds or inflammation of the kidneys (pyelonephritis) are caused by bacteria that enter the renal pelvis from the bladder or (rarely) through the bloodstream from another infection in the body.

How a cold happens, and how it’s transmitted

It is precisely because of the diversity of cold virus agents that the human immune system cannot build lasting immunity. In addition, infection is often caused by multiple viruses present, which is another reason why colds are not easy to repel. Sometimes it happens that other types of viruses cause an infection shortly after having a previous cold, and the unpleasant symptoms are back.

Viruses spread through the air and can enter the body through the mouth, nose, and eyes, or they can stick to objects and are able to survive in the environment for a relatively long time. This means that transmission usually occurs through droplets or by direct contact with infected nasal mucus or contaminated objects. A cold, then, is not usually caused by a long stay in a cold environment – the culprit is usually a seasonal virus which is present more often during inclement weather.

An increased risk of infection exists mainly in larger groups (schools, kindergartens, etc.) where a child can easily spread the infection throughout the family. Poor hygiene or weakened immunity can also be a problem. Other risk factors that facilitate transmission include lack of sleep or poor nutrition.

Cold symptoms and incubation period

Initial symptoms appear within 1 to 3 days of contact with the virus. The incubation time for a cold is therefore about 12 to 72 hours. The cold then lasts for various lengths of time, usually 7 to 10 days. However, some symptoms may persist for up to 3 weeks. As already stated, each illness takes its own particular course. The most typical symptoms of a cold include:

• stuffy nose, sneezing, runny nose – slightly watery, later thicker;
• sore throat – present in about 50% of cases;
• dry and irritating cough – usually mild, affecting about 40% of patients;
• fatigue, exhaustion, loss of appetite;
• headache or muscle aches (myalgia) with enlarged nodes in the neck;
• increased temperature – usually only slightly..

Individual stages of a cold

1. phase – as soon as the incubation period has passed, tis is followed by itching or burning in the nose, sneezing, or severe sore throat. Then comes general fatigue, exhaustion even during normal activities, sometimes also chills and general discomfort.
2. phase – this is the peak time of a cold. Runny nose with persistent sore throat, loss of appetite, persistent fatigue, and sometimes loss of smell. The runny nose will thicken and the mucous membranes swell, causing problems with smell and taste.
3. phase – the cold slowly subsides, the swelling of the nasal mucosa gradually disappears, the inflammation in the throat subsides, and the nose is less runny. Even at this stage, however, it is important to observe prevention and try to avoid further contact with viruses.

What is the treatment for a cold, and can I get rid of it overnight?

“Unfortunately, it is impossible to get rid of a new cold overnight. Treatments only address the symptoms, and there is no causal treatment for common viruses. Rest is important so that the body gains the strength to fight the virus. There are, however, symptomatic drugs that suppress and alleviate the symptoms,” explains MUDr. Čiefová. The most commonly used cold medications used in the Czech Republic (according to specific problems) include the following:

• Reducing temperature and relieving pain – drugs containing paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, etc. such as Acylpyrinor Paralen.
• Runny nose – decongestants of the nasal mucosa (Olynth, Vibrocil), which reduce congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa and relieve runny nose.
• Cough - various cough suppressant drops (Stoptussin, Fytosand others), syrups (Stodal, Mucosolvan) or tablets (ACC long, Sinecod) can be used to reduce cough.

Colds in children and pregnancy

Colds and flu during pregnancy are a complication, especially in its early stages. The use of drugs could endanger fetal development, so it is always necessary to consult appropriate treatment with a gynecologist. The same is true for suppressing symptoms in young children and infants – here, it is necessary to consult appropriate treatment with the attending pediatrician.

How to get rid of a cold (Grandma’s advice)

Anti-inflammatory chamomile tea with honey is good for drinking and for inhalation to relax the sinuses, and it helps ease a runny nose. Here’s how: Pour a very hot and strong natural chamomile tea into a bowl, cover your head and the bowl with a towel, and breathe deeply. Chamomile tea with honey or sage tea is also good for sore throats. Drinking or gargling the Czech brand Vincentka is also beneficial, as is the popular Priessnitz compress.

Tussilago (coltsfoot) tea helps coughing and is also available in pharmacies. It eases coughing and reduces inflammation. Onion juice with honey can also help. Here’s how: Cut up an onion, pour honey over it, and wait a few hours for the onion to release the juice – then eat it by the spoonful. The honey makes this a tasty treatment for kids too.

Balanced diet and herbs for colds

You can support immunity and faster healing with proven foods and a balanced supply of nutrients. A general overview of relief includes ginger tea, garlic soup, strong broth, chilli, horseradish, and onion (as above). Herbs can be beneficial, for example, as thyme ointment which releases clogged sinuses, or tea tree oil – simply apply it around the nostrils or a few drops into a hot bath.

Colds from air conditioning and in the summer

Colds are common during the winter season. In the summer, though, it makes for an unpleasant surprise. Consuming drinks that are too cold, for example, may be to blame. Colds are also associated with air conditioning. A simple rule applies here – the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperature should not exceed 5° C. Air conditioning should also not blow directly on your head.

Prevention and considering a visit to the doctor

As far as prevention is concerned, there is no 100% effective guide here. However, it is possible to regularly strengthen the body and avoid risk factors. This means paying attention to the basic rules of hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and making sure you get enough vitamins and minerals. Also drink plenty of fluids, move and/or exercise regularly, humidify the air in your home, avoid those who are obviously ill, eliminate stress, and sleep well.

A cold is not a serious problem, although it can sometimes seem to be. If the patient is a small child, infant, or pregnant, however, or the disease lasts longer than 10 days and severe symptoms persist, a visit to the doctor is appropriate. It could be a chronic cold, flu, streptococcal angina, bronchitis, or even pneumonia.

In this case, you can contact experts from EUC clinics or Doctors online 24/7:

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