THE COMMON COLD

Southland Times, Issue 22934, 6 July 1936, Page 11

THE COMMON COLD

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT (Contributed by the Department of Health). The common cold is often considered so trifling that vigorous individuals do not permit the disease to hamper their daily pursuits and treat a cold as something to be shared. The result is that colds usually go through families, schools and business groups and rapidly become scattered in many different small epidemics throughout the community. The economical consequences are considerable in that enormous numbers of people who acquire this disease lose efficiency for a short time and this minor malady becomes one of grave importance. 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. Rest 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 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 as 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 "back 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 be 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.

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 ’rier than at other seasons, especially if the rooms are kept too warm, and is more irritating to the membranes of the air passages. General Advice. Keep the body built up by eating nourishing food, observing regular sleeping hours, and exercising outdoors in the sunshine. The skin should be trained to stand changes in temperature by frequent bathing. After indulging in a strenuous sport a brisk rub-down and change of clothing is essential. Sitting about with wet stockings and boots should be avoided by all. Wear sensible clothing. Overheated, overcrowded and badly ventilated rooms should be avoided. Air is filtered as 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 be vigorously combatted 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.