Can you catch a cold during pregnancy?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on November 16, 2024
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Pregnancy is a normal physiological state for women to nurture a fetus. During pregnancy, factors such as a decrease in immunity, catching a cold, or malnutrition can lead to viral infections, causing symptoms of a cold. Whether a pregnant woman catches a cold mainly depends on her physical constitution, that is, her immune and resistance capacities. Pregnant women with a cold should avoid the indiscriminate and excessive use of medications, especially antibiotics, antiviral drugs, and hormonal products. It is important to drink plenty of water, rest adequately, and if medication is necessary, it should be chosen under the guidance of a doctor. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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How to care for a baby with a cold in the summer

If a baby catches a cold in the summer, it is essential to take care of them by avoiding cross-infection. Additionally, pay attention to how the baby is dressed. If someone in the house has a cold, they should minimize contact with the baby and avoid sneezing, coughing, or kissing the baby to prevent cross-infection. Dressing the baby should be moderate during a summer cold; it's not about wearing more layers. The clothing should make sure the baby’s neck or chest and abdomen are warm without causing sweating. Keep the baby away from crowded places and, if possible, have them stay at home. If air conditioning is used, ensure to ventilate the room by opening windows 1-2 times a day, and keep the baby away from direct drafts. If the baby experiences nasal congestion or tends to choke while feeding due to the cold, it is crucial to avoid lying them down flat immediately after feeding. Instead, hold the baby upright or slightly elevate their head to prevent choking and worsening of the condition.

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Written by An Yong Peng
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Can I eat shrimp with a cold?

It is appropriate for cold sufferers to eat shrimp in moderation. For those with a cold, it is important to maintain a light diet and eat some fruits, avoiding spicy and greasy foods. However, they can consume protein-rich foods such as lean meat, fish, shrimp, and eggs. Additionally, cold sufferers should avoid alcohol, coffee, and strong tea. These dietary adjustments may help the patient's condition to recover on its own. However, it is important to note that although colds often have self-limiting characteristics, when symptoms are severe, it may be necessary to use cold medicines to alleviate symptoms. It is also important to be aware that a minority of patients may experience complications, so if cold symptoms persist, it is necessary to visit a hospital to avoid delaying treatment.

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Precautions for Wind-Heat Colds

For individuals with wind-heat colds, it is important to avoid consuming overly hot or overly spicy foods, as well as overly cold foods. Care should also be taken not to overheat oneself; do not cover oneself with blankets to induce sweating, as this can exacerbate the condition. It is recommended that those suffering from wind-heat colds drink more plain water to help regulate the body, or consume honey water regularly, which can also effectively aid in regulation. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid eating overly hard foods, refrain from staying up late, and ensure ample sleep to aid in faster recovery and improvement.

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What is the difference between viral cold and wind-heat cold?

The distinction between viral influenza and wind-heat cold is mainly the different naming conventions used by two different medical systems for the common cold. Viral influenza is a term used in modern medicine to describe a viral infection. In contrast, wind-heat cold is a term used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a type of cold that occurs after being affected by a pathogenic heat. These two terms are completely different. The pathogen of viral influenza is primarily caused by a viral infection. On the other hand, wind-heat cold is diagnosed based on symptoms, suggesting that the individual might have been affected by pathogenic heat, or has internal heat, leading to the condition. Therefore, generally, viral influenza is not treated with traditional Chinese medicine. Wind-heat cold, conversely, is not treated with Western medicine. So, if diagnosed with viral influenza, one would typically take some antiviral medications along with Western cold medicines. If diagnosed with wind-heat cold by a TCM practitioner, some appropriate heat-clearing and detoxifying Chinese medicines would be prescribed. These represent two distinct medical systems with their unique diagnostic labels for the illness.

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How to relieve a cold headache without medicine

Firstly, you should drink more water to promote metabolism and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to help restore bodily functions. Avoid eating spicy food such as chili peppers and reduce meat consumption. Measure body temperature, you can massage the temples, or drink more ginger sugar water, which can help relieve headaches. If the body temperature rises, you can use warm water to wipe the palms, soles of the feet, neck, and chest. At the same time, apply a cool towel or ice pack to the forehead. Once the temperature normalizes, the symptoms of cold and headache will gradually improve; there is no need to worry too much.