Symptoms of each stage of the cold cycle

Colds have certain characteristics. For example, the symptoms will be different in the early stages of a cold and when the cold is about to get better. Generally, the early symptoms are often itching in the throat, sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion, followed by clear nasal discharge. As the disease progresses, the nasal discharge will be thicker and cause pain in the throat, etc.

Symptoms of each stage of the cold cycle

The common cold has an acute onset and can generally be divided into several stages. Early symptoms include dry, itchy or burning throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose. The runny nose starts out as clear water and becomes thicker after 2 to 3 days. Mid-term symptoms may be accompanied by sore throat. In the rapid recovery stage, there is generally no fever or systemic symptoms, or only a low-grade fever and headache. It usually takes 5 to 7 days to recover.

Characteristics of a cold

1. 90% of colds are caused by viruses, and only 10% are caused by bacteria.

More than 90% of cold pathogens are viruses. There are many types of viruses that cause colds, of which rhinoviruses account for more than 50%, and there are also influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, coronaviruses, coxsackie viruses, etc. Bacterial infections account for only about 10%. Since antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, only 10% of colds require treatment with antibiotics.

2. White blood cell count can determine which type of infection

How to determine whether it is a viral cold or a bacterial cold? After catching a cold, go to the hospital for a routine blood test first. If the white blood cell count is found to be significantly higher than normal during a routine blood test, it means that there is a bacterial infection and antibiotics are needed for treatment. In viral infections, the white blood cell count is often low.

3. When the body temperature rises to 38°C, the virus cannot reproduce

Increased body temperature is often a symptom of discomfort in most cold patients. What is less known is that the process of fever is actually the process of the body fighting against the virus. Viruses are very sensitive to temperature. When the body temperature rises to 38°C, the virus can no longer reproduce or form new viruses. A body temperature of 38°C is relatively bearable for most people, and this temperature is conducive to the formation of antibodies. If a child's fever reaches 38°C, and you rush to use antipyretics to force the temperature down, the virus will continue to multiply and the course of the disease will be prolonged. Antipyretics are only needed when the body temperature rises to 38.5℃.

4. Colds are most contagious from the first 2 days to the last 3 days

If the body is infected with the cold virus, it is contagious 2 days before the onset of cold symptoms. The period from 2 days before a cold to 3 days after a cold is when the virus is most contagious. Therefore, it is best not to go to crowded and poorly ventilated places in winter.