THE COMMON COLD

Evening Star, Issue 22026, 11 May 1935, Page 23

THE COMMON COLD

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT (Contributed by the Health Department.) With the advent of winter the common cold becomes prevalent in the population, so it is thought desirable to recapitulate advice on_ the 1 prevention and treatment of this complaint, There are two kinds of common colds — the cold caught from other people and the one- contracted even though colds are not prevalent in the population. People who have adenoids, ; or diseased • tonsils or are run down are likely to have either kinds. Very few colds would develop into serious illness if the person who has the cold were wise enough to take proper .care of himself the first day or two. Hest in bed if possible, or at least indoors is advisable if the victim feels weak, as weakness may be a sign of influenza. A laxative should be taken. Plenty of water should be taken, and a light amount of simple nourishing food. Breathing 1 steam or using a mild salt-water douche, if the doctor advises it, may relieve the “ stopped up ” feeling. At night before going to bed a hot bath, or at least a hot foot-bath, is recommended. After drying the sufferer should be covered up in bed with extra blankets, so ns to “ sweat the cold out of the system.” A hot drink, such as lemon, assists perspiration. When besides the general symptoms of a cold, fever occurs and the backs of the legs ache badly, probably influenza is indicated, .and a doctor’s advice should be sought. NEGLECTED’ COLDS. If neglected, there is a danger of a cold producing a much more serious respiratory 'disease such as bronchitis

or pneumonia. The time is not yet come when we can persuade everyone with a cold to retire from public contacts. Perhaps it is too much to expect in the case of a disease the uncomplicated form of which does not always force a person to go to bed. However, if- a sufferer should go out amongst his fellows, he should in common decency make every effort to protect them. Every cough and sneeze should he covered to prevent spraying the infection over helpless associates. Hands should be frequently washed to remove infection which might otherwise be passed on to someone else. PROTECTION OF CHILDREN. Common colds are frequently followed by pneumonia, and this is particularly true in very young children. If-a child has a cold it is safest to keep him in bed for a few days until the acute stage is passed. Colds should be considered as contagious, and the same sort of care taken as with epidemic diseases. Babies and young children need sunlight as well as older people. Do not keep a well child indoors just because it is cold out of doors. See that he is properly clothed and put him out where he will get the sunlight. It is important to keep the rooms of the house at a moderate temperature. Air in the winter time is much drier than at other seasons, especially if tho_ rooms are kept too warm, and is more irritating to the membranes of the air passages. GENERAL ADVICE. Keep the bodjbwhnilt up by eating nourishing food, observing regular sleeping hours, exercising outdoors in the sunshine. The skin should he trained to stand changes in temperature by frequent bathing. After indulging in strenuous sports a brisk rub-down and change of clothing is essential. Sitting about without stockings and hoots should be avoided by all. Wear sensible clothing. Overheated, overcrowded, and badly ventilated rooms should be avoided. Air is filtered ns it passes along the nasal passages on its way to the lungs. See a doctor if difficulty of breathing through the nose is experienced. Constipation predisposes to colds and should he vigorously combated by proper diet, exercise, and regular habits and attention to bowel function. If you have a cold do not cough or sneeze over others, and so do your best to protect those about you from becoming infected. ' fc