The common cold can hit you at any time, but there are points in the year when it is most prevalent. The good news is there are steps you can take to reduce your risks of getting a cold. Even if you contract a cold, you can treat the symptoms and recover. Usually, a cold will affect you for seven to 10 days. Be aware, though, that smoking can aggravate the symptoms and make you more prone to a more serious bout of the illness.
Viruses cause the common cold. Hundreds of viruses can do this, but usually it is rhinovirus, coronavirus, or RSV that is the instigator. The cold spreads through close person-to-person contact. This occurs through droplets from sneezing and coughing or through touch. Large gatherings such as school classes can be breeding grounds for colds.
Symptoms can vary and look different for everyone. However, generally, a person will have a runny or stuffy nose. A cough, sneezing, and sore throat are also usually evident. Body aches and chills can be a symptom too. Some people will get headaches or may even have a low-grade fever.
Smoking is one of the most difficult habits to break. It can affect a person’s health in many ways. When it comes to the common cold, smoking damages the lungs, making breathing more difficult. It is never a good idea to smoke in the first place, especially during cold season. Aside from affecting a cold, smoking is linked to other respiratory issues.
Another symptom of the common cold is ineffective breathing. Congestion can get in the way of the person’s ability to breathe well, especially at night during sleep time. If a smoker catches a cold, it will be even more difficult to breathe. This affects the ability to get oxygen to the bloodstream, which can have an impact on other health functions. A person who smokes will typically have a more challenging time getting over a cold too.
Anyone can get a cold, including the youngest and oldest of people. However, smokers are more likely to catch a cold. This can happen during any season. Smokers also can catch the most serious symptoms of this sickness and need urgent care. A cold will usually affect a person for seven to 10 days, though symptoms can hang around longer. Smokers are more often than not on the longer end of the spectrum, sometimes struggling with a cold for weeks.
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If you smoke, there are many reasons why you would want to quit. It can affect your lungs and make breathing a difficult task. You will also be more prone to catching the common cold and enduring serious, long symptoms. To avoid dealing with these challenges, get help quitting. If you do get a cold this season, refrain from smoking so that your body can get rid of the infection and recover.
Request an appointment or call Millennium Medical Care Stone Springs at 703-665-3242 for an appointment in our Sterling office.
It should not surprise you if you get the common cold this year. The illness is appropriately named; it may be the most common sickness that people encounter. Just about anyone is familiar with colds and what this condition feels like. There are many symptoms and effects, including the production of mucus. However, this should…
The common cold is appropriately named. This illness is perhaps the most common health problem that people experience. It will affect individuals of all ages, including babies and the oldest patients. You have almost certainly had your share of colds in the past. The good news is that there are ways to minimize your risks…
Struggling with the common cold is something that just about everyone will experience at some point. Yearly bouts with a cold are highly likely, as most people get at least one every 12 months. It is extremely contagious and caused by one of three viruses through close contact. Some people have mild symptoms, but that…
It should not surprise you if you get the common cold this year. The illness is appropriately named; it may be the most common sickness that people encounter. Just about anyone is familiar with colds and what this condition feels like. There are many symptoms and effects, including the production of mucus. However, this should…
The common cold is appropriately named. This illness is perhaps the most common health problem that people experience. It will affect individuals of all ages, including babies and the oldest patients. You have almost certainly had your share of colds in the past. The good news is that there are ways to minimize your risks…