Why we get colds
Flu or flu?
The summer is over, the cold season begins? and faster than expected we are plagued with a sore throat, cough or hoarseness. The symptoms of a flu infection or a flu are at first glance quite similar, ultimately the diseases are caused by different pathogens. So there are about 200 different types of viruses, such as adeno, rhino and corona viruses that cause a cold. Bacteria play a minor role as the cause of the disease. But beware! In the course of a flu infection, it may well lead to a bacterial secondary infection. However, influenza is caused solely by the influenza virus, which can change constantly. An annual revitalization of the vaccine helps against the latter.
Causes of infection
Whether shaking hands or just sneezing: The risk of infection is huge, especially in the autumn and winter months. Most of the time we catch cold infected droplets that are coughed or sneezed in the air. In the case of droplet infection, the healthy person takes viruses via the respiratory tract, causing the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa to swell. If the immune system is already weakened, it favors the disease. But the direct contact with the infected person naturally has a negative effect on the own body. Over the hands the viruses reach the mucous membranes of mouth, eye and nose, and above in the body. In fact, even smooth surfaces are the trigger of the illness: Doorknobs, keyboards, telephone receivers or handles on public transport can become real germ cells for cold viruses.
These factors favor a cold
Anyone who has an intact immune system is usually less prone to a cold. However, if you are a little struck, then the common cold, which usually heals after seven to ten days, is inevitable. But what exactly causes the body to be weakened? Typical factors include stress, mental stress, lack of sleep, unhealthy diet and excessive alcohol consumption. In addition, you should avoid large crowds, especially if acute cold waves are in circulation. Besides these factors, there is of course a connection between cold and a cold? even though the former is not the sole cause of the disease. Cold forces us into buildings where heating air is a risk factor. This dries out the mucous membranes and impairs our defense against pathogens.
