How to treat colds and flu

Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Updated on December 17, 2024
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Wind-cold common cold is often caused by the invasion of pathogenic wind-cold. Sometimes it can also occur due to fatigue, coupled with exposure to wind and chill, and it usually happens more often in autumn and winter. In fact, it may sometimes be accompanied by body aches, runny nose, nasal congestion, and cough with phlegm. If not treated timely, it might lead to infections such as acute sinusitis. If the condition is severe, it is best to visit a hospital for face-to-face consultation with a doctor for timely treatment to avoid delaying the illness. It is important to rest regularly, engage in more physical activities to boost the immune system, and get some sunlight to also enhance immunity. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, consuming less greasy and fried foods, abstaining from smoking and alcohol, and developing good dietary habits can effectively prevent such conditions.

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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How long will a cold with a runny nose last?

The symptoms of a cold with a runny nose generally recover within seven to ten days. A runny nose during a cold is usually caused by a viral infection. For viral colds, the condition of the patient is generally self-limiting. The natural course of the illness is usually seven to ten days, so the symptoms of a runny nose usually recover within this timeframe. However, for patients with a cold, there is often also a symptom of coughing. Although in most cases, the cough also eases within seven to ten days, some patients with colds may experience persistent coughing symptoms that can even last for one to two months. This condition is referred to as post-cold cough or post-infectious cough.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can you play ball with a cold?

If you have a cold, your body may experience chills. Playing sports can cause you to sweat, which helps to expel sweat and toxins and is beneficial for the recovery from a cold. However, be careful not to engage in excessive activity. It is appropriate to do some physical exercises and pay attention to keeping warm to avoid catching a cold again. After exercising, it is important to rehydrate promptly, drink more water to facilitate the elimination of toxins through urination. It's beneficial to eat more fruits and vegetables to replenish nutrients and enhance your physical condition. After exercising, remember to rest and take care of your health.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How to quickly alleviate the discomfort of a cold?

In treating a cold, it is important to select symptomatic medications. If symptoms such as discomfort, body ache, or fatigue are caused by a fever, appropriate fever-reducing measures should be taken based on the severity of the fever. If the body temperature does not exceed 38°C, physical cooling methods such as wiping the palms, soles, neck, and chest with warm water can be used. If the fever is high, antipyretic analgesic medications should be chosen. In addition, symptomatic treatment with vitamin supplements and medications that suppress gland secretion can help alleviate discomfort.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What should a pregnant woman do if she has a slight cold?

When pregnant women catch a mild cold, it is generally not recommended to take medicine for treatment. This is because some medications can have adverse effects on the growth and development of the fetus. It is advised in daily life to drink more warm water, as this can promote metabolism and eliminate some toxins from the body. It is also important to ensure sufficient sleep, avoid intense activities, maintain a pleasant mood, and fulfill the nutritional requirements of the body. It is recommended to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, and keep the diet light, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. Also, avoid overly greasy and salty foods, and do not overwork or stay up late in daily life.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Changes in cold symptoms

The symptoms and changes of a cold are primarily determined by the infecting virus. Clinically, it is mainly divided into the common cold and influenza. The common cold is mainly caused by infections of rhinovirus, adenovirus, and pharyngovirus, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat. The other type of cold refers to influenza, which is caused by influenza virus or parainfluenza virus infections, primarily manifested by muscle soreness in the limbs, fatigue, sore throat, and compared to the common cold, the ear, nose, and throat symptoms are relatively mild.