DEAR DR. GOTT:
It seems to me every time I get a cold someone tells me to sweat it out with exercise. Is this a good idea or is rest and plenty of fluids the way to go?
DEAR READER:
A cold is an infection of the nose and throat that can develop because of any one of more than 200 different viruses. The rhinovirus is the most common and is highly contagious.
Symptoms usually develop between one and three days after exposure to a cold virus and can include runny nose, watery eyes, cough, sneeze, congestion, and sore throat. As a general rule, fever does not occur with the common cold.
There are countless ways to come in contact with a virus. Sharing objects such as a drinking glass or cup, droplets from a contagious individual sneezing near you and hand to hand contact are at the top of the list. Consider that someone with a cold touches his or her mouth or nose and then opens a public door. You follow behind and touch that door knob, exposing yourself to the very germs you try so hard to avoid. This is one reason why most supermarkets now place sanitizing wipes near their grocery carts.
Antibiotics are ineffective in treating the common cold. While over-the-counter products will appear to lessen your symptoms, there really is no cure. When taken in excess over extended periods of time, the acetaminophen in pain relievers can cause liver damage. The chronic, extended use of decongestants can result in inflammation of mucous membranes. Spray decongestants should never be given to children because of unwanted side effects. Cough syrups are essentially ineffective. Symptoms will run their course in about seven days from onset. Should you find a virus lasts longer, you should play it safe and see a physician who can properly diagnose you.
I must agree that your approach to a cold is more on the money than that of your acquaintances. Probably the last thing you want to do when you are feeling so “punk” is to exercise and sweat. Everyone is different. If they respond in a positive nature, they should continue on course.
The answer, in a word, is prevention. Wash your hands frequently. Use tissues when blowing your nose and dispose of them in a proper receptacle. Drink extra fluids and rest as much as possible. Stay away from infected individuals in close quarters and opt for fresh air instead. A gargle of warm salt water and the use of saline nasal drops are your best bet.
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