Tybee Breeze

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Tybee Breeze
A COLD BY ANY OTHER NAME
Colds are caused by viruses, most commonly a
rhinovirus. They are the most common infections
to affect any part of the body and most of us will
average over 50 in a lifetime. The disease is most
common among children. I have seen more of this
type of infection with its many complications in the
past month than in the entire flu season this winter.
Usually we can recover from a cold without
special treatment but we’ll spend a ton of money
each year for over-the-counter meds to treat cold
symptoms.
Cold viruses grow mainly in the
nose and are present in the
nasal fluids. The first 3 days
are the most contagious. We
pass it on by coughing
and sneezing and
through direct
contact, such as
shaking hands. We all
know the symptoms
such as throat tickle, runny nose and sneezing.
Discharge at first is clear then becomes thicker
and green or yellow. Fever is more common in
children than adults. Most begin to feel better in
4-5 days and all symptoms are usually gone in
7-10 days. The biggest problem with the common
cold is the possibility of complications. It makes
most of us more open to bacterial infections such
as strep throat as well as middle ear and sinus
infections. Some of the warning signs of bacterial
infection include fever of more than a few days,