Contrary to popular belief, the common cold, also known as upper respiratory infection, is caused by a virus and not by bacteria. According to Medicine Net, many different viruses cause the cold, which makes it difficult for the body to build any definite resistance against it.
Symptoms: Nasal stuffiness, runny nose, sore throat, tiredness and body ache, hoarseness, headache…
General Measures:
1.
Double or triple your fluid intake to thin secretions and prevent dehydration.
2.
Get extra sleep and rest; give your body the chance to fight the virus
3.
Carefully dispose of tissues and wash your hands frequently, to prevent the spread to others.
4.
Avoid alcohol and excessive exercise, which could further compromise your immune systems
Source: Student Health
Its been proven that washing and keeping your hands clean will help fight against the cold, and it is important to get plenty of rest and eat right.
The cold spreads quickly from hand to hand contact, and viruses that cause the cold can live in objects, such as books and pens/pencils, for several hours. Cold weather doesn’t do anything in helping spread the virus. In fact, the relationship between cold weather and the cold is that more people stay indoors during the rainy and the cold season, increasing contact with others, the main culprit in spreading the cold virus.
Student Health provides more information about the cold and medications to ease symptoms. You can visit their website at: https://studenthealthoc.sa.ucsb.edu
To schedule an appointment at Student Health call 893.3371
To speak to an advisory nurse call 893.7129