Head Colds

If you have ever wondered how to deal with a head cold, this article is for you. Head colds are caused by a number of different viruses that vary both in duration and severity. The mildest and most common, the rhinovirus, causes mild nasal and sinus stuffiness, increased nasal dripage and drainage, nasal irritation, and sometimes sneezing with minimal to no fever and mild illness. The worst, the influenza virus, causes severe body aches, chills, fever, and can even kill weakened individuals, which is why I think flu shots are a good idea. Other viruses fall in between these two in severity.

Almost all upper respiratory viruses or “colds” start with a 1-2 day sore throat (sometimes mild, sometimes pretty painful), feeling bad, an achy feeling, and at worst a low grade fever. It is usually pretty hard to be certain of the exact cause at this stage. If a lot of people you have been around are having the same symptoms, it is a pretty good sign that it is most likely a virus. Sore throats and fever from viruses usually improve after two days and then nasal stuffiness and drainage starts. When nasal drainage is clear it is almost always a virus (or allergy), but even some viruses can cause light yellowish drainage. Most colds begin to get better after 5-7 days but an aggravating cough without fever can often last 1-2 weeks. With viral infections at this stage, the cough is aggravating but usually does not bring up much and you do not feel very bad. People with this usually gradually get well without treatment over a few weeks.

There are things you can do to help! Hand washing is number one in prevention because most viruses are transmitted by hand contact. The new ethyl alcohol handwashes do not require hand drying, are easier and better than soap, and should be used by everyone exposed to sick people. Good health habits and nutrition help. At least 500 to 1000mg of Vitamin C everyday as well as other multivitamins and balanced diets help boost resistance to infections and even allergies. A good nights sleep and regular exercise also strengthen the immune system while depression and physical or mental stress can weaken it. Protect yourself from getting chilled and drink enough fluid. For treatment, Zicam Cold Formula with zinc works best if started early. It does not prevent colds, but decreases the duration and severity and does not require a prescription. Antibiotics don’t affect cold viruses but antiinflamatories like Aleve (Naproxen) may help relieve symptoms of discomfort. Drainage and stuffiness is actually helped better by non-prescription cough and cold formulas because they dry nonallergic secretions better. Afrin nasal spray can help severe nasal blockage, but should only be used for only three or four nights. More than this can cause addiction and worsen blockage.

Lastly, almost all viruses stop getting worse after two or three days and begin improving after one week. If you are running high fever, feeling really bad, or not improving after one week, you should see your doctor. You may have bacterial infection or the flu and need prescription medication.

Remember, most viruses are transmitted by hand contact so wash those hands!