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Whenever there is a change in seasons such as the onset of rains as we are experiencing now we tend to experience a surge in number of people sneezing, coughing and generally feeling unwell. As more people stay indoors and have close contacts especially in our nursery schools, the children tend to “share” a good dose of viruses as they shake hands, touch surfaces etc. after sneezing and quite often not washing or cleaning their hands appropriately. Eventually these viruses end up in homes where parents and older siblings bear the brunt.
Many parents are tempted to give their dear children antibiotics and take some as well whenever coughs, sneezing and sore throats start BUT in most instances this is unnecessary as the medication has no effect on a virus or an allergic reaction. The challenge is how confident can one be as you see your child suffer or from similar events in the past the child only improved after a course of antibiotics? These bouts can be very frequent and we end up abusing antibiotics making it almost useless when we need them in the future. What should we do instead?
Most of us may recognize the symptoms of a common cold and definitely everyone reading this piece must have been a victim at one time or the other. The symptoms may be mild but trust me sometimes you get the impression the gates of heaven or hell were just open wide to receive you. It may normally last one to two weeks and is an extremely common reason for a visit to a health facility all around the world. Your guess is as good as mine it also leads to many days off work or school. Many doctors are likely to give someone with a common cold days off from work because the person is a health “hazard” Can you imagine spending hours in a room with someone coughing and sneezing? You may soon catch the common cold too and then there will be more people underperforming and that means more cedis down the drain for the business. It is even more important now to stay home when you have one or more of the tell-tale signs below since you will be mentally torturing your colleagues as they imagine you may be entertaining COVID-19 rent-free.
TELL-TALE SIGNS
Allergies may often mimic the common cold but there are a few obvious differences. Note that the two may occur at the same time.
In a malaria endemic area like ours, the common cold can mimic MALARIA an old foe. Who would not suspect malaria when after several nights of unfriendly interaction with mosquitoes one begins to experience a fever, general aches and pains as well as a general sense of not feeling well. Many times we tend to battle the common cold with an antimalarial medication leading to drug resistance and unnecessary stress on our liver. When in doubt do see a professional.
A CLOSE LOOK AT CHILDREN
The nursery school is every mother’s nightmare especially the first few years. Since the children are in close contact with one another, there is a lot of “sharing” of viruses many of which cause the common cold. Consider the fact that over a hundred viruses may cause the common cold and you will understand why your little one appears to be having a long lasting acquaintance with the common cold. Beware lest you keep giving antibiotics to your child. Trust your doctor when he recommends supportive care. Sometimes your child’s cold may be complicated by infections such as an ear infection so monitor closely.
A WORD ON ADULTS
Most adults will not get the common cold as often as their little angels but women in their twenties to forties are noted to have relatively frequent attacks probably because they spend more time with their toddlers.
In general any condition that keeps more people indoors or in an enclosed area for long periods of time is a remedy for spreading the common cold as the viruses are spread as we cough or talk. It can also be spread through contact such as shaking hands with someone who has cold and also sharing items that may include telephone, utensils and toys. After such contact one can easily catch a cold when you touch your eyes, nose or mouth (just as occurs in COVID). Good old washing of hands with soap and water pops up again.
COMPLICATIONS
Though most bouts of the common cold may be harmless, occasionally we may be at risk of complications (commoner in children) especially when the cold persists for a long time:
TIME TO SEE THE DOCTOR
It is important to see a doctor immediately if you have any of the following:
Note that in 2022, it is important to seek professional medical care whenever you have any symptoms that you think could be the common cold. Do Not wait for complications to set in or only to find out later you rather have COVID-19.
MANAGING THE COMMON COLD
Your best bet is prevention.
Once you have the common cold then it’s time to switch to plan B. There is currently no cure for the common cold but you may be able to make life more comfortable by adopting the following:
This cold may be common but it can definitely make your life miserable and end up keeping you away from work and maybe poorer.
AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)
Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Health Essentials Ltd/Mobissel Ltd
Dr. Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy, fitness nutrition and corrective exercise.
Thought for the week –“When you are coughing and sneezing or generally feel unwell, be considerate of others and wear a facemask if you have to leave home. This will go a long way to reduce the spread of the common cold, influenza and COVID-19.”
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