If I have a cold, how can I determine if I need to take medicine? Also, I have heard that people who do not have a cold for a long time are more likely to get cancer, is this true? Common cold or flu? There are two types of colds: common cold and influenza. The common cold is a common respiratory disease caused by a variety of viruses, while influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. How to distinguish between common cold and influenza? See the chart below: Also, the common cold is usually disseminated, while influenza is often a massive outbreak. Is it good or bad not to have a cold for a long time? 1. People who don’t catch a cold for a long time are prone to cancer? There are articles on the internet that say people who have not had a fever or cold for many years are prone to cancer? It sounds very scary. In fact, this statement itself is not scientific. The fact that one is not prone to fever and cold and cough, etc. can only mean that one’s resistance is relatively strong. Of course, having a cold occasionally will strengthen the body’s resistance, because in the case of fighting a cold, the body’s resistance will likewise be strengthened. 2.What should I do if I often catch a cold? Poor resistance] It is normal not to catch a cold, but to catch a cold often means that the body’s resistance is weak. In clinical practice, doctors believe that adults with more than 7 upper respiratory infections in a year are called recurrent respiratory infections, and this requires increased attention. Should I take medicine for a cold or not? There are more than 200 kinds of pathogens of common cold, all of which are viruses. Only 0.5% to 2% of common colds may be secondary to bacterial infections. Therefore, in most cases, antibiotics to fight bacteria are not useful if you have a cold. Some people worry that the common cold will easily progress to more serious diseases (such as pneumonia, encephalitis, etc.) if they do not take antibiotic treatment in advance, which is actually not much justified. 1, the common cold generally 7 to 12 days to heal naturally The common cold is self-limiting, generally 7 to 12 days to heal naturally, if really uncomfortable, you can use some symptom relief drugs, but will not shorten the course of the disease. In addition, the human body has a strong self-healing ability, as long as you pay attention to the conditioning and improve the habits of life, the general common cold can be self-healing. 2, the common cold generally does not cause complications In most cases, the pathogens are different, coupled with the self-limiting nature of the common cold and the role of the body’s own immune system, the common cold does not complicate pneumonia, encephalitis and other serious diseases, which has nothing to do with whether to eat antibiotics in a timely manner to prevent. 3, the immunity of the weaker groups need to pay attention to young children, the elderly, these groups of weaker immunity, or the common cold is very serious, when infected with the flu, the human immune system to resist infection, if this time and contact with the disease causing bacteria such as pneumonia, there is indeed a possibility of secondary infection of the lungs or even the brain (encephalitis is mostly seen in children). 4, whether to take medicine, depending on the condition “cold without medicine can be self-healing” also can not be universal, depending on the condition. The common cold can be relieved by drinking more water, rest and ventilation, but for influenza or other bacterial infections, it is necessary to follow medical advice. Are you doing the right way to prevent it? 1.First of all, you should understand the basic knowledge of cold and flu The above content is described in more detail. There is also the fact that cold and flu viruses are temperature sensitive (they multiply faster when it is cold) and multiply first in the nasal cavity and then spread. Most colds or flu are caused by putting infected hands in the eyes, nose or mouth, plus you can infect others a day before symptoms appear. 2. Pay attention to health care Infection can be spread from person to person, so it is important to wash your hands often, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, and use a handkerchief to wipe your mouth and nose, all of which can keep people around you from being infected. Besides, don’t touch your face with your hands freely, especially your eyes, mouth and nose. 3. Take care of yourself and stay healthy Sleep and nutrition are all factors that should be taken into account. Because a healthy lifestyle can improve your immune system and can make you better fight against cold. 4.Consider some supplement intake Many supplements are said to have the function of preventing diseases. Although not that useful most of the time, there are some effects if you just use them to strengthen your immune system instead of treating colds. For example: vitamin C, zinc, selenium, elderberry, garlic, echinacea species, Andrographis paniculata, golden seal herb, probiotics (or yogurt), black tea, etc. 5. Vaccination Influenza can be prevented by vaccines, which are adjusted every year according to the prevalent virus. People with low immunity, including infants and people over 50 years old, can be vaccinated, but it is the best way to prevent it by doing a good research beforehand. Cold and flu, recognize these words on the medicine box before taking the medicine!