Colds Flashcards
what is the most common infection?
colds
what are colds made up of?
viruses (ex: coronavirus, influenza)
What do viruses do to our body? what role does our immune system play?
viruses destroy tissue, our immune system creates symptoms to get rid of the virus (ex: sneeze, cough)
Is there a cure for the common cold? how long does it last? what about remedies?
No. it lasts for about a week. remedies don’t get rid of a cold, but they may make us think we feel better (chicken soup)
What happened in Salisbury England?
They wanted to do a trial on humans.
- Offered participants a free vacation (not really a vacation)
- they would collect the sneeze from someone will a cold and use it as an artificial sneeze to insert into someone else
- sneezes were found to be not good spreaders of colds
What is it that spreads colds?
Mucus and touching surfaces + your face
What is mucus made of?
water with a bit of mucin
What happened with the Tristan Ca Cunha Island?
The remote island would only have cold outbreaks following a visit by boats. June, July, august is their winter so they have the worst weather and therefore no colds because no visitors
Coronavirus major and minor transmission
Major: Respiratory
Minor: surfaces
cold —– with age:
decrease
Why do you get fewer colds as you age?
You built up immunity and antibodies in your immune system. “memory” of the infection so you don’t get it again.
What are 6 different types of meds for colds?
antipyretic +anelgysic, decongestive, expectorant, antitussive, antihistamines
What is menthol’s role?
weak topical analgesic- activates nerve endings
Is menthol better in liquid form or a cough drop? why?
cough drop because it touches the surface for longer, liquid goes to the stomach
What is the best topical pain reliever?
Cepacol - spray
don’t use it all the time, will remove the sensation
