Tag

Common Cold

All articles tagged with #common cold

health14 hours ago

Vitamin C Won’t Prevent Colds, But May Lightly Ease Severe Symptoms in Some People

Regular vitamin C does not reduce the risk of catching a cold, but meta-analyses suggest a modest benefit for those who take it consistently: about 8–14% less severe symptoms in children and adults, and roughly a 15% reduction in days with severe symptoms among groups like athletes and military personnel. Starting vitamin C after symptoms begin provides no benefit. High daily doses (>1,000 mg) can cause GI problems, kidney stones, and drug interactions; upper limits vary by country (US ~2,000 mg; Australia ~1,000 mg), while typical daily needs are far lower (Australia ~45 mg). Since deficiency is rare, most people don’t need supplements—consult a GP if considering it.

Vitamin C and the Cold: Debunking the Nobel Prize’s Cure Claim
health8 days ago

Vitamin C and the Cold: Debunking the Nobel Prize’s Cure Claim

Linus Pauling’s 1970s push for mega-doses of vitamin C didn’t turn into a proven cold cure. While some meta-analyses show only modest benefits—regular intake of 1,000 mg+/day may reduce severe cold symptoms by about 15% for certain groups, and some analyses note reduced severity in athletes—there’s no consistent evidence that vitamin C prevents catching a cold or shortens mild illness when started after symptoms begin. Safe upper limits vary by country (US around 2,000 mg/day; Australia ~1,000 mg/day; general daily needs about 45 mg), and high doses can cause GI issues, kidney stones, or interact with other treatments. If considering supplements, discuss with a GP and keep intake well below 1,000 mg/day. Overall, vitamin C is not a cure or a reliable preventive for colds; any benefit is small and conditional.

Spring Illness Peaks Nationwide, Blurring Allergy and Cold Lines
health2 months ago

Spring Illness Peaks Nationwide, Blurring Allergy and Cold Lines

A nationwide mid-May peak in cold- and virus-related illnesses has people mistaking symptoms for seasonal allergies. Experts say fever tends to indicate a cold, and antihistamines don’t cure colds; it’s possible to have both allergies and a cold. To protect yourself, practice good hand hygiene, avoid spreading germs when sick, and stay home if you’re ill. While rhinovirus and enterovirus activity is easing, those viruses are still circulating and are expected to decline further as warmer weather and more time outdoors reduce indoor transmission.

Why a Cold Hits Some Harder: The Nasal Immune Response Holds the Key
science7 months ago

Why a Cold Hits Some Harder: The Nasal Immune Response Holds the Key

A Yale-led study using lab-grown nasal airway organoids infected with rhinovirus shows that the severity of colds depends on the early interferon response in nasal cells; robust interferon keeps infection to under 2% of cells, while blocking interferon leads to wider infection, increased inflammation and mucus, and slower cilia, explaining why symptoms vary and suggesting that boosting interferon early could help treatments.

Why Britain Is Experiencing a Surge in Illnesses
health10 months ago

Why Britain Is Experiencing a Surge in Illnesses

Britain is experiencing a surge in respiratory illnesses like colds, flu, and Covid due to seasonal factors, increased indoor activity, and waning immunity, with Rhinovirus being most common. While symptoms overlap, most illnesses are mild, and vaccination along with good hygiene can help protect vulnerable populations. The pattern of virus circulation is returning to normal after pandemic disruptions.

Recent Cold May Significantly Reduce COVID-19 Risk, Study Finds
health1 year ago

Recent Cold May Significantly Reduce COVID-19 Risk, Study Finds

A study suggests that recent rhinovirus infections, which cause the common cold, may reduce the risk and severity of COVID-19, especially in children, by triggering antiviral gene expression. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce hospitalizations and deaths among kidney transplant and dialysis patients, while antibiotic use remains a major risk factor for C. difficile infections in hospitals. The UK reports a rise in H5N1 avian flu in poultry, and health authorities investigate travel-related measles cases in the US and Canada. Prasad resumes his role at the FDA, and the USDA deploys new measures to prevent screwworm spread.

Pharmacist Reveals Household Item to Cure Cold in 24 Hours
health1 year ago

Pharmacist Reveals Household Item to Cure Cold in 24 Hours

A California pharmacist, Ariana Medizade, claims that consuming two cloves of garlic can cure a common cold in 24 hours due to allicin, a compound that boosts the immune system. She also suggests leaving chopped onions in a room to purify the air, though this lacks scientific backing. While garlic has some proven health benefits, including immune support and antiviral properties, the NHS and Cleveland Clinic note limited evidence for its effectiveness in preventing or curing colds.

How to Distinguish Between Allergies, Covid, and a Cold
health2 years ago

How to Distinguish Between Allergies, Covid, and a Cold

As summer approaches, distinguishing between symptoms of spring allergies, Covid-19, and the common cold can be challenging. Experts suggest taking a Covid test for clarity, though these tests are harder to obtain since the public health emergency ended. Generally, allergies rarely cause high fevers, which are more indicative of Covid or another viral infection.

"Decoding Your Symptoms: Distinguishing Between Seasonal Allergies and the Common Cold"
health2 years ago

"Decoding Your Symptoms: Distinguishing Between Seasonal Allergies and the Common Cold"

As global temperatures rise, distinguishing between seasonal allergies and the common cold becomes increasingly important. Seasonal allergies, triggered by pollen, cause symptoms like nasal stuffiness and sneezing, while colds, typically caused by viruses, may result in sore throat and fatigue. Allergies are not infectious and can last throughout the season, while colds are contagious and usually resolve within a week. Treatments for allergies include saline rinses, antihistamines, and corticosteroid sprays, while rest, hydration, and staying home are recommended for colds.