2023-11-28 18:44:46
When the cold season arrives, it is common for the number of cases of respiratory diseases increase. However, for a few weeks now, users of various social networks have shared an unusual event: the contagion of a “brutal cold”. An infection that leads the sufferer to stay in bed for several days and even weeks.
The presence of this somewhat atypical cold has been made known through a comment on Reddit: “I just came out of a brutal cold that lasted three weeks, in which my paranasal sinuses were almost completely closedyes.” After which more testimonies followed from people who have also experienced it.
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What causes the Brutal Cold?
The truth is that it is difficult to pinpoint the origin of a cold. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 200 virus that can cause it, however, the rinovirus They are the most common.
Now, brutal colds apparently start out like a common one, with the following symptoms: sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat, cough, watery eyes, and fever. However, instead of lasting between 2 to 3 days, which is the usual time, it extends to weeks.
Besides symptoms described above, the brutal cold can be accompanied by the following complications, which require urgent attention:
Shortness of breath Fever for more than 4 days Dehydration Worsening of chronic conditions Symptoms that last more than 10 days and do not improve
In some cases, the symptoms or intensity A cold tends to worsen until it seems like you have the flu. The main reason is that in both conditions the signs are similar.
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Why does a cold get more complicated or stronger?
Although the alarms have gone off in the United Kingdom, where the largest report of brutal cold cases. It is not known for sure what causes colds to become more complicated or last longer. A study from Queen Mary University in London points out that the Virus can leave the body very exhausted.
On the other hand, and according to the Mayo Clinic Medical Institute, There are other factors that can influence the intensity of a cold:
Weak immune systemSmoking (even if you are a passive smoker)Age. People over 60 years of age and children under 5 are the most vulnerable sector in terms of sexual diseases.
The “brutal cold” can not only lead a person to stay in bed for weeks. It can also be complicated by middle ear infections, asthma, sinusitis and other diseases such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
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How to prevent a cold?
Handwashing: Wash your hands frequently and properly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This helps eliminate germs you may have picked up from contaminated surfaces.Avoid close contact: Keep your distance from people who have a cold and avoid close contact, such as hugs and handshakes, if possible.Cover your mouth and nose: When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose to prevent the spread of germs.Avoid touching your face: Cold viruses can enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.Surface cleaning: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs, phones, and keyboards.Healthy nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which provide essential nutrients to strengthen the immune system.Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can improve immune system function and help prevent disease.Adequate rest: Get enough sleep to allow your body to recover and strengthen your immune system.Reduce stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, so practice stress management techniques like meditation and yoga.
It is possible that you do not have any of the factors that can lead you to suffer a brutal cold. But that doesn’t mean that if you don’t receive the right treatment it can’t get complicated.
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