With the cold season now upon us in Phuket, there has been a resulting increase in the number of people catching the common cold. I know, because I have just recently recovered from a bad dose which I most likely picked up from a patient in my hospital. Of no satisfaction is the possibility that I have also passed it on to someone else.

A cold virus, most commonly a rhinovirus of which there are over 100 different types starts the common cold by entering the body through the nose. Once inside our body it frequently spreads to the throat, sinuses, ears and the air passages in our lungs.

Its easy to see how the common cold spreads from one person to another as a single sneeze can produce up to 20,000 droplets, each with the potential to carry the virus from one person to another, as a sneeze droplet can travel over 3 meters. The virus can also live on surfaces for up to 8 hours, so if you touch a surface that has the virus, and then transfer the virus to you nose or mouth, say, by eating without washing your hands, you have effectively contracted the virus through poor personal hygiene.

The cold virus is extremely contagious, and it is estimated that between 5% and 20% of the population will catch it, and on average most adults will catch a cold twice a year. Cold symptoms usually appear 2 or 3 days after exposure to a source of infection. Most colds will clear up within 1 week, but some last for as long as 2 weeks.

Research shows that not wearing a jacket in cold weather, or going outside whilst your hair is wet has no influence on whether you are more likely to catch a cold or not. People who smoke are more likely to catch a cold, as are those who spend long periods in an air conditioned environment, as the lining inside the nose may be irritated and less susceptible to repel any invading cold virus, as the integrity of the nasal lining is very important as your first line of defense against infection.

After you have caught the cold, it develops for the next 10 hours or so. During this time the virus is multiplying and your body is becoming aware that a foreign virus is invading its defenses. After this initial period, symptoms of the cold become apparent and may include chills, sneezing, runny or stuffed nose, sore throat, cough, fever, headache and fatigue. These symptoms change from person to person and may last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how quickly your body can develop antibodies to fight the virus and if any secondary infections occurs.

The symptoms which are caused by your body in response to the invading virus are a result of your body trying to rid itself of the virus. Your runny nose and cough is literally trying to expel the virus from the body. Mucus is acting as a cleaning agent. Some professionals argue that taking medication that reduces these symptoms are only prolonging and restricting the body’s natural defense mechanisms. Taking medication does have the feel good factor though, as most cold and flu medication will dry up any secretions and mucus as well as restricting coughing and sneezing.

The best way to prevent getting a cold is to practice good personal hygiene. During this season, with the high prevalence of people getting the common cold and having our bodies surrounded by the virus on surfaces and in the air, washing you hands with soap is a great start. If you sneeze or cough, cover it to stop infecting others. Avoid touching your nose and mouth and if possible, stay away from people who are infected. You can ensure that your immune system is as healthy as possible by maintaining a good diet, or taking vitamins, getting enough rest and reducing stress.

Remember that the common cold is a viral infection, so taking antibiotics is basically ineffective and may indeed be harmful for some. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and whilst it is common for doctors in Thailand to prescribe antibiotics for the common cold, their use is debatable. If you develop a secondary infection, such as a sore throat or ear infection, antibiotics may well be indicated. Before taking antibiotics, you should discuss this with your doctor. For the most of us, it’s possibly best just to grin and bear it, rest up for a few days with that runny nose and enjoy a sick day or two.

Finally the research is also inconclusive about the effectiveness of vitamin C. Taking large quantities of orange juice or vitamin C supplements is questionable as vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, and if your body has more than it needs, it just excretes any excess in your urine.
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On the other hand, the other old wives' tale, chicken soup, which has been used for years to treat a cold, may have some medicinal good properties.

Peter Davison is the Manager International Services at Phuket International Hospital. Questions or comments may be sent by email to peter@phuket-inter-hospital.co.th or by fax to 076 210936