Unusual Aspects about the Ordinary Cold You Ought to Be Aware Of:

Unusual Aspects about the Ordinary Cold You Ought to Be Aware Of:

As the foliage unfurls and the rainy days return, your palate savors pumpkin spice once more, and a recurring malady hops back into the spotlight - the runny nose. Although colds can affect individuals year-round, the likelihood of catching one increases significantly during the back-to-school season as temperatures plummet and young ones transmit viruses from the classroom corridor to the home.

Catching a cold might seem routine, but Dr. Melissa Mossar, a primary care provider at UW Medicine Primary & Urgent Care at Ballard, sheds light on surprising aspects surrounding this common affliction. Hundreds of viruses, including rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and human metapneumovirus, can cause a cold.

Rhinoviruses are the primary culprits, but these are not the only players in the cold story. Symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat are common regardless of the virus type, even though less frequent ones may not be as prevalent.

Colds can multiply due to one virus's ability to mutate after immunity is built, as well as the sheer number of viruses in the environment. As a result, adults usually experience two to three colds per year, while children may encounter six to eight.

When various viruses run rampant, it's not unheard of to fall ill with multiple viruses simultaneously, such as the flu or COVID-19. While the rhinovirus may not dominate and be replaced like SARS-CoV-2 or influenza, it maintains a presence by circulating numerous variants than compete for dominance.

Another astounding fact? The swelling inside your nasal passages, residing alongside erectile tissue, may be to blame for your stuffy nose. When nasal passages are irritated by allergens or infections, the swelling can block airflow, leading to the dreaded congestion.

To alleviate symptoms, over-the-counter medication can provide relief, but these do not target viruses directly. In most instances, rest, self-care, and hydration will aid recovery. Be wary, as viruses can survive on surfaces for up to two days, so frequent handwashing is the best defense.

In addition to the usual precautions, another means to shield yourself from colds is mild exercise, avoiding touching your face, and refraining from sharing towels or household items with someone who is sick. Upgrading your annual vaccines and ensuring you catch sufficient z's are extra ways to bolster your immune system.

Some material previously published in the UW Medicine Newsroom contributed to this report.

1. Self-care and hydration are essential in recovering from a cold.
2. The rhinovirus is the primary cause of the common cold, but many other viruses contribute to its spread.
3. Colds can be caused by rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, human metapneumovirus, and more.
4. The viruses that cause colds can survive on surfaces for up to two days.
5. Frequent handwashing is the best defense against catching a cold.
6. Mild exercise can help shield you from colds.
7. The swelling inside your nasal passages can lead to a stuffy nose.
8. Avoiding touching your face and sharing household items with someone who is sick can also help prevent colds.
9. Upgrading your annual vaccines can also boost your immune system.
10. Ensuring you get enough sleep is another way to strengthen your immune system against colds.
11. Runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat are common symptoms of colds.
12. The likelihood of catching a cold increases during the back-to-school season.
13. Adults typically experience two to three colds per year, while children may experience six to eight.
14. When one virus's immunity is built, it can mutate and cause another cold.
15. In most cases, over-the-counter medication provides relief for cold symptoms but doesn't target viruses directly.
16. Suffering from multiple viruses at once, such as the flu or COVID-19, is not uncommon.
17. The rhinovirus can maintain its presence by circulating numerous variants that compete for dominance.
18. In the environment, there are hundreds of viruses that can cause a cold.
19. The workplace-wellness industry focuses on promoting health and wellness in the workplace.
20. Self-care, including exercise and nutrition, is crucial for maintaining good health and wellness.
21. Video conferencing and telemedicine are increasingly popular in the healthcare industry due to the ongoing pandemic.
22. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, can be managed with therapies and treatments.
23. Medication, exercise, and diet are all part of managing chronic diseases.
24. Nutrition plays a significant role in both physical and mental health.
25. Skin-care and hair-care products are essential items in the retail industry.
26. Electronic devices like smartphones and smart home devices are rapidly changing the way we live and work.
27. Cybersecurity is a growing concern as more devices become connected to the internet.
28. The environmental-science industry focuses on understanding and protecting the environment.
29. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the environmental-science industry.
30. In the finance industry, investments in industries like renewable energy and green technology are becoming increasingly popular.

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