Page 7 - Edge Issue 3

The Cold Virus
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Colds are increasing the closer we get to the cold season.
“Catching” Colds:
The theory that colds can be “caught” comes from an old saying in the 17th century where sickness can affect a person when they have had too much exposure to cold or wet weather. The name “cold” came to be used in the 16th century. The name of the virus refers to the increased susceptibility when the weather becomes colder.
Colds were common back then and could often lead to death. But today, with healthier opportunities, symptoms are better but still very aggravating to deal with. Colds are the number one reason people miss work or school (having 2-3 colds a year for adults and even more for children), as well as the chief reason people go to a doctor’s office. Colds effect the productivity of many working students and adults. Being exposed to the virus for just 2 days can cause a cold for a duration of 1-3 weeks.
Other names used to describe a cold include: acute viral nasopharyngitis, nasopharyngitis, viral rhinitis, rhinopharyngitis, acute coryza, and/or a head cold.
The Science Behind the Common Cold:
The common cold is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract that primarily affects the nose. The throat, sinuses, and larynx may also be affected. Symptoms of the common cold can start as soon as up to two days before exposure to the virus.
Although over 200 different viruses can cause a cold, rhinovirus is the most common to infect the body. Rhinovirus reproduces at faster rates in cold temperatures.
Colds are caused by viruses spreading from person to person in the air. Everyone can get infected from anything they touch or come in very close contact with. Colds can take effect
if somebody sneezes or coughs and germs get on you. Another scenario is when you shake someone’s hand when they are sick, then touch your own face. Ways to get it also involve touching surfaces like doorknobs and counter tops and
come in contact with your face.
One type of medication some people decide
to take is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen, while some treatments include symptomatic therapy as well as zinc. You should see a doctor if the cold lasts more than 10 days or symptoms are severe or unusual.
Story and photos by Aryauna Jordan
Symptoms:
After exposure to the virus having negative effects is more than normal. Symptoms can contain anything from sore throat to headaches.
The list contains, but is not limited to, a sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, headaches, and body aches. In adults with weakened immune systems, symptoms can evolve into bronchitis or pneumonia.
How to Feel Better/Prevent:
Although the common cold cannot be cured throughout the 7-10 day time period, there are ways to feel better and prevent it from happening in the future. Attending important events and occasions with the common cold can be an inconvenience to many individuals. Winter is coming and now is a great time to prepare to avoid the sickness.
To prevent getting the virus, make sure to wash your hands throughout the day, avoid close contact with people already sick, and do not touch your face with unwashed hands. When washing hands make sure to do for 20 seconds using soap. While sick, resting and drinking fluids, preferably hot, helps a lot with easing the symptoms down but will not get rid of the cold.
Staying safe matters too. Staying out of work or school to avoid spreading viruses, as well as blocking germs when coughing or sneezing by covering your face with your arm or using face masks.
Advice from students include Jasmin Britton, 7, says she usually drinks honey lemon tea to feel better. Ava Defrencesco, 8, says to “not stress out” as stress can weaken your immune system making it easier to get sick.
Foods and drinks such as chicken soup, broth, garlic, coconut water, hot tea, honey, ginger, and spicy foods are just some of the best foods to eat when sick as claimed by Healthline.
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