Kenya has been experiencing cold days in the recent past and many have taken extra caution besides dressing up warmly to keep the cold at bay. This however does not mean that it is the cold weather that causes the common cold.
Long exposure to cold conditions facilitates common cold-causing virus to spread more and freely over humid conditions. This also puts one at risk of catching the same from the atmosphere. Children are at greater risk of catching a cold especially those under 6 years. Adults on the other hand do catch colds at least twice or thrice annually.
Symptoms of a cold begin to manifest one to three days after exposure to the virus.
Why does the common cold manifest itself during the cold seasons?
Below are some of the reasons why the risk of spreading or catching a cold increase during this period.
- Viruses spread through drops in humidity and temperature, which are more common during the cold months of July and August in Kenya.
- People cuddle up more in enclosed spaces in a bid to stay warm
- Viruses replicate under cold conditions for instance, within the nasal cavity of a person breathing in cold air.
Preventive measures
As evidently proven during the C0VID-19 pandemic, proper hygiene is the most efficient way to keep communicable diseases such as common cold at bay especially so when there is no known vaccine.
- Hand washing
Hopefully, this has become a habit for everyone to wash their hands after interaction with public spaces. It is important also to wash hands with soap before preparing meals and eating as a household meal culture.
Wash continuously for two minutes with soap and running water. Note that handwashing is a vital part of preventing diseases, keeping food safe while aiding children grow strong. Alternatively, sanitize your hands appropriately to keep disease causing germs at bay.
- Covering the cough or sneeze
Managing an illness also means mitigating its spread. Covering the mouth and nose during a cough is more of courtesy than just habit. This is because it could potentially save a person from illness or contracting the deadly COVID-19. Wearing a face mask in public spaces goes a long way at protecting a person from contracting air borne viruses as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO),
- Home remedy
One of the most tedious illnesses to treat is a common cold. Many are times that it has been left to run its course, however, remember to observe proper hygiene always. This especially after giving prescribed medication a chance and not yielding the desired results.
Here are some of the Do It Yourself (DIY) home remedies that are easy to prepare and keep the entire family safe:
- Garlic
Garlic is a potent anti-viral and anti-bacterial, it is effective at ridding off common cold symptoms like a sneeze or inflamed nasal cavity. Allicin, the property in garlic that leaves a person with bad breath is what is known to kill viruses.
It also plays a vital role in flushing out toxins and freeing up the passages in the respiratory duct. Garlic supplements are also available at MYDAWA and can be alternatively used.
- Honey
One of the major discomforts of common cold is persistent soreness in the throat. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) strongly recommends using honey if your sore throat is accompanied with a cough.
Honey is one of the easiest and most natural remedies available. Depending on one’s preference, consume it raw, mix with tea, hot water or even mix with a teaspoon of lemon juice. It will still do the trick either way.
- Pepper
Both black, green, and red pepper contain a property known as capsaicin. Capsaicin helps thin the mucus layers formed in the nasal cavity, decongesting the passages. Adding pepper to a cooked meal can help stop a constant running nose. Alternatively, pepper powder mixed with a glass of warm water when gargled will yield similar results.
- Turmeric milk
A mixture of turmeric and ginger in milk can help treat constant coughing and headaches resulting from a prolonged cold. Contrary to the myth, milk does not increase mucus production.
With milk, ginger and turmeric, this is also another easy remedy to prepare. One can crush fresh ginger or use ginger powder mixed with half a teaspoon of turmeric. Finely ground together, add the mixture to boiling milk. As we conclude this conversation, remember that we do have vitamin and mineral supplements as well as immune boosters that can be of benefit to you during this cold season. Free delivery is assured once you have placed your orders.
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