What is Cold Cough?
A cold cough is a symptom of the common cold, which is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The common cold can cause a mild cough that doesn’t get much worse, but it may last into the second week of your illness.
Here are some common symptoms associated with a cold cough:
- Cough: This is the primary symptom. It can be dry or productive (producing mucus).
- Sore throat: You might experience a scratchy or irritated throat, which can worsen the cough.
- Runny or stuffy nose: Cold viruses can cause blocked nose or a runny nose.
- Sneezing: Sneezing is another common symptom of a cold.
- Fatigue: Cold viruses can make you feel tired.
What’s Real About Cold? Facts vs. Myths
Myth: You Can’t Catch a Cold in the Summer.
Fact: Colds can occur in summer too due to year-round virus circulation.
Myth: You can catch a cold from being in cold weather.
Fact: Colds are caused by viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses, not by exposure to cold temperatures.
Myth: Taking vitamin C supplements will prevent or cure a cold.
Fact: While Vitamin C is important for a healthy immune system, high-dose Vitamin C doesn’t shorten colds.
Myth: Antibiotics can treat the common cold.
Fact: Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections like the common cold. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can contribute to antibiotic refusal and have side effects.
Myth: You’re only Infectious when you have symptoms.
Fact: You can actually spread the cold virus to others a day or two before you start showing symptoms, and you remain infectious for up to a week after symptoms develop.
Myth: Green mucus means you have a bacterial infection and need antibiotics.
Fact: Mucus color doesn’t determine infection type. Viruses can cause colored mucus. Antibiotics rarely needed for colds.
Fact-checking with DrPro when it comes to the common cold can help us make more informed decisions about our health.
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