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A AMC MAGA Z I N E | W I N T E R 2 01 3
Your Tuneup
Colds:
4
Truths to Know
How much do you know about one of the most common illnesses around? Take this quiz and find out.
Feel Better
To treat a cold or the flu:
››
Get plenty of rest,
especially when you have
a fever. Rest helps your
body fight infection.
››
Consume lots of fluids,
such as water and clear
soups, but avoid alcohol.
TRUE OR FALSE
:
Colds
are caused by bacteria.
FALSE
Colds are actually caused
by viruses—in fact,
more than 200 types of
viruses can cause those
sniffling, sneezing,
coughing symptoms.
Because colds are not
caused by bacteria,
taking antibiotics won’t
help cure a cold. The
only time you might
need an antibiotic is
when a cold gives rise to
complications, such as
an ear or sinus infection.
TRUE OR FALSE:
Taking
decongestants or
antihistamines will
help you get over a
cold more quickly.
FALSE
Over-the-counter
medicines can help you
manage symptoms for the
duration of your illness.
But that cold will last
about one to two weeks,
no matter what medicines
you take. It just has to run
its course.
TRUE OR FALSE:
Most
colds occur in the fall and
winter months.
TRUE
This may be because
cold weather keeps
people indoors, which
increases the chance that
you’ll come in contact
with someone who has a
cold and who can spread
the virus to you. Humidity
may play a role too—cold
viruses survive better
in the drier winter
months than in more
humid weather.
TRUE OR FALSE:
Washing
your hands is one of the
most effective ways to
keep colds from spreading.
TRUE
Some cold-causing
viruses can live up to
three hours on the skin
and on surfaces. If you
touch an infected surface
and then touch your
nose or eyes, the virus
can enter your body and
increase your risk of
coming down with a cold.
You can lower that risk
by frequently washing
your hands with soap and
water, which helps stop
the spread of viruses.
Sources: American Lung Association; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Need a primary care provider? Call our askAAMC nurse advice line at
443-481-4000
or visit
findadoc.AAHS.org
.
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Fluids help loosen mucus
and prevent dehydration.
››
Gargle with warm salt water
to ease a sore throat. Throat
sprays and lozenges may
also help relieve the pain.
››
Use saline nose drops to
help loosen mucus and
moisten the tender skin in
your nose.
››
Take an analgesic—
such as aspirin,
acetaminophen or
ibuprofen—to help
relieve aches and
pains and to reduce fever.
Never give aspirin to
children or teenagers.
Source: American Academy of
Family Physicians