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Teens have a healthy immune system to cope with the common cold Usually, teens have a healthy immune system to cope with the common cold. Getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids can ease the symptoms. A warm bath or heating pad can soothe aches and pains, and the steam from a hot shower can help in better breathing. Most doctors recommend acetaminophen for aches, pains, and fever. In rare cases, doctors may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral treatment for a specific period of time. Everybody catches a cold, but we can strengthen our immune system's infection-fighting ability by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough rest. Is the common cold contagious?Common cold is usually caused by the virus group called rhinoviruses, which are highly contagious. The common cold spreads either by direct contact with infected secretions from contaminated surfaces or by inhaling the airborne virus after individuals sneeze or cough. Person-to-person transmission often occurs when an individual who has cold blows or touches their nose and then touches someone or something else. A healthy individual who then makes direct contact with these secretions can subsequently become infected. If the virus gets through the protective lining of the nose and throat, it triggers an immune reaction that can start symptoms of cold. How long do symptoms of the common cold last in the body?The duration of common cold in a body depends on a person’s immune system. Some individuals will develop very mild symptoms, whereas others may develop more severe symptoms. The type of symptoms may also vary, with some individuals developing only nasal congestion, whereas others may develop many or all of the symptoms described above. The symptoms that develop also depend on the underlying health of the person infected. Old people and people with diabetes generally are at a risk of secondary infection by a bacterium. Most colds will resolve after 7-10 days, although some individuals experience a shorter course and others a more prolonged illness, depending on the particular virus involved, as well as underlying health issues. If a teen or person has a weak immune system, they may need medical attention. Does the common cold require a doctor’s attention?Not everyone may require doctor supervision or attention for common cold because it is a self-limited contagious disease. However, teens with a weak immune system or preexisting respiratory infections such as asthma or pneumonia may require doctor supervision. A teen may need medical attention if they have below conditions:
SLIDESHOWHow to Get Rid of a Cold: Natural Remedies See SlideshowReferences Coping With Colds: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/children_colds#2 (https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/colds.html) The ‘common cold’ is caused by viruses (germs) that infect the nose, throat and sinuses. Colds are most common in the fall and winter when people are indoors and in close contact with each other. It may seem like your child has one cold after another all winter. Young children haven’t built up immunity (defenses) to the more than 100 different cold viruses that
are around. That’s why they can get as many as 8 to 10 colds each year before they turn 2 years old. Once you have had a cold virus, you become immune to that specific germ. That’s why children get fewer colds as they get older. Children can catch colds from siblings, parents, other family members, playmates or caregivers. Germs usually spread in one of 3 ways: Typical cold symptoms include: The
influenza (flu) virus causes high fever, cough and body aches. It strikes more quickly than a cold and makes people feel worse. Children with colds usually have energy to play and keep up their daily routines. Children with the flu are usually in bed. Babies under 3 months of age can find it hard to breathe through a stuffed-up nose, which
can make feeding difficult. Call your doctor to make an appointment or take your baby to an emergency department if your baby:
Some respiratory viruses that cause colds in older children and adults may cause more serious illness in babies and toddlers. These illnesses include croup (hoarseness, noisy breathing, barking cough), pneumonia (lung infection), bronchiolitis (wheezing, trouble breathing), or sore eyes, sore throat and neck gland swelling. Children with these conditions need to be seen by a doctor. Children of all ages should see a doctor if the cold seems to be causing more serious problems. Call your doctor or take your child to an emergency department if you notice your child:
Call your doctor if your child shows any sign of a middle ear infection (ear pain, drainage from the ear), which can be caused by a cold. What can I do if my child has a cold?There is no cure for the common cold. Colds usually last about a week but can continue for as long as 2 weeks. They usually go away on their own.
How can I prevent a cold?
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Last updated: August 2021 |