What causes frequent colds? Viral infections are the most common

It is easy to catch a cold when the seasons change, especially in cold weather. However, some people catch colds frequently. This is related to their own immunity and makes them prone to viral infections. They need to take good care of themselves in daily life, exercise more, rest more, and eat a light diet.

1. Causes of colds

1. Viral infection (70%):

70%-80% of colds are caused by viruses, mainly influenza viruses (A, B, C), parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, echoviruses, coxsackieviruses, measles viruses, and rubella viruses.

2. Bacterial infection (10%):

Bacterial infection can occur directly or after viral infection. Hemolytic streptococci are the most common, followed by Haemophilus influenzae, pneumococci and Staphylococcus aureus. Gram-negative bacilli are occasionally seen. The main manifestations of infection are rhinitis, pharyngitis or tonsillitis.

Body aches, etc.

3. Excessive fatigue (10%):

When the systemic or local respiratory defense function is reduced due to inducing factors such as catching a cold, getting caught in the rain, or being overly tired, the viruses or bacteria that already exist in the upper respiratory tract or invade from the outside can multiply rapidly and cause illness, especially for the elderly, the young, the weak, or those with chronic respiratory diseases such as sinusitis and tonsillitis. The nasal cavity and pharyngeal mucosa are congested, edematous, and the epithelial cells are destroyed. There is a small amount of mononuclear cell infiltration, serous and mucous inflammatory exudate, and after secondary bacterial infection, there is neutrophil infiltration and a large amount of purulent secretions.

2. Daily Care

1. Ward environment: The ward should be quiet and clean, and family visits should be restricted. Take different countermeasures depending on the cause of the cold. People with wind-cold and qi deficiency colds should pay attention to keeping warm and preventing cold. The room temperature can be slightly higher to achieve the purpose of "warming up the cold"; for wind-heat and yin deficiency colds, the room should be slightly cooler, and pay attention to maintaining an appropriate temperature to achieve the purpose of "cooling down the heat". If you have a summer-heat cold, you should pay attention to indoor ventilation.

2. Work and rest: Severe patients should rest in bed. If you sweat too much after taking medicine, you should dry your body and change into dry clothes to avoid catching a cold. You can engage in appropriate activities after the fever subsides. At the same time, patients should ensure adequate rest and sleep to facilitate recovery from the disease.

3. Professional Nursing

1. Medication: For wind-heat cold, the treatment method is to use pungent and cool herbs to dispel wind and clear heat; for wind-cold cold, the treatment method is to use pungent and warm herbs to dispel wind and clear heat. The antipyretic and diaphoretic drugs can be lightly decocted. Decoctions for wind-cold colds should be taken hot, and you can cover yourself with a quilt to keep warm and drink hot porridge to promote sweating. At the same time, you should be careful to avoid wind and cold. Medicines for wind-heat colds should be taken warm.

2. Monitoring: Pay close attention to body temperature, blood pressure, respiration, pulse, sputum color, tongue coating, pulse condition, and reactions after medication. If there are any abnormalities, report to the doctor for treatment.