The Common Cold

Well this cold has gotten me down no doubt. I probably shouldn't of went to work today, but thought i could muddle through, it was a struggle.

My nose is stuffed up, yet i am always blowing it and i feel hot. Also feel like i am just not with it , as well as the feeling of being hit by a truck( body aches)

So, tis the season i suppose. Found this article to share.


CausesDate updated: January 22, 2007 Content provided by MayoClinic.com
Although more than 200 viruses can cause a common cold, the rhinovirus is the most common culprit, and it's highly contagious.
A cold virus enters your body through your mouth or nose, but it's likely you also had a "hand" in your own illness. The virus can spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks. But it also spreads by hand-to-hand contact with someone who has a cold or by using shared objects, such as utensils, towels, toys or telephones. Touch your eyes, nose or mouth after such contact or exposure, and you're likely to "catch" a cold.


TreatmentDate updated: January 22, 2007 Content provided by MayoClinic.com
There's no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics are of no use against cold viruses. Over-the-counter (OTC) cold preparations won't cure a common cold or make it go away any sooner, and most have side effects. Here's a look at the pros and cons of some common cold remedies.
Pain relievers. For fever, sore throat and headache, many people turn to acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other mild pain relievers. Keep in mind that acetaminophen can cause liver damage, especially if taken frequently or in larger-than-recommended doses. Be especially careful when giving acetaminophen to children; the dosing guidelines can be confusing. For instance, the infant drop formulation is three times as concentrated as the syrup commonly used in older children. Never give aspirin to children. It may have a role in causing Reye's syndrome - a rare but potentially fatal illness.
Decongestant nasal sprays. Adults shouldn't use decongestant drops or sprays for more than a few days because prolonged use can cause chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes. And children shouldn't use decongestant drops or sprays at all. There's little evidence that they work in young children, and they may cause side effects.
Cough syrups. In winter, nonprescription cough syrups practically fly off the drugstore shelves. But the American College of Chest Physicians strongly discourages the use of these medications because they're not effective at treating the underlying cause of cough due to colds. Some contain ingredients that may alleviate coughing, but the amounts are too small to do much good and may actually be harmful for children. In fact, the college recommends against using OTC cough syrups or cold medicines for any child younger than age 14. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns against giving cough and cold medicines to children younger than age 2. For young children, an accidental overdose could be fatal. Coughs associated with a cold usually last less than two to three weeks. If a cough lingers longer than that, see your doctor.

Lets hope this passes soon, with plenty of Vitamin C.....hee hee