Prophylaxis

A strengthening of the immune system is always an advantage. In the autumn and winter months you should make sure you wear warm clothes and take in enough vitamins. Fresh fruit and vegetables are particularly suitable for this.

If someone in the household is already ill, it is advisable to air the room from time to time, but airing the room from time to time is also a good idea. However, the living rooms should of course be kept warm so that you do not run the risk of catching a cold. Warm teas and sufficient exercise round off a sensible protection against late summer colds.

Symptoms

Everyone has experienced the symptoms of a cold at some point in their lives: it starts with a scratchy throat, which can quickly develop into swallowing difficulties. However, unlike tonsillitis, these only last for 2-3 days and then subside. In addition, there is a cold (rhinitis) and a general feeling of illness, which manifests itself in the form of headaches and aching limbs.

Often, however, it remains only with coughs and rhinitis. In rare cases, however, shivering and, depending on the virus, even fever are added. The peak of the course of the disease is usually reached after one week, after 2 weeks the cold has usually subsided completely.

However, complications can also occur on the basis of a common cold. Especially if the immune system has been weakened too much by the viral infection, bacterial pathogens can cause additional damage. This is then called a “super infection”.A superinfection leads to pneumonia in the throat area, for example, and is characterized by a sudden, severe deterioration in the course of the disease.

Further complications can occur when the cold viruses spread from the throat area to surrounding structures. The paranasal sinuses and ears are predestined for this. This is called sinusitis or otitis. Infection of the larynx and the vocal cords leads to a rough, hoarse voice, which can sometimes be completely absent.