We have much to be thankful for this year – we made it through another year of living with rare disease. Pat yourself on the back. It might not have been easy – but here we are! Thanks to all who have helped us get through this year – partner, sibling, friend, parent, pet- anyone- Dr, nurse, SP – they have all helped us. Our inner voice that says put one foot in front of the other.
And now we find ourselves heading over the river and through the woods to grandmas house, or aunties, or Mom’s- or stay at home. One thing we know for sure – someone will be sneezing- stuffed up- sick.
We know what that means for us. At the very least a long lasting cold virus – sometimes bronchitis- and the rest of the story is this is winter and that’s how we roll.
I found a great article from Mayo on colds. Think I’ll share some of it.
“The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It’s usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold.
– adults can expect to have two or three colds annually.
Most people recover from a common cold in a week or 10 days. Symptoms might last longer in people who smoke. If symptoms don’t improve, see your doctor.
Symptoms of a common cold usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. Signs and symptoms, which can vary from person to person, might include:
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Cough
Congestion
Slight body aches or a mild headache
Sneezing
Low-grade fever
Generally feeling unwell (malaise)
The discharge from your nose may become thicker and yellow or green in color as a common cold runs its course. This isn’t an indication of a bacterial infection.
For adults — seek medical attention if you have:
Fever greater than 101.3 F (38.5 C)
Fever lasting five days or more or returning after a fever-free period
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Severe sore throat, headache or sinus pain
For children — in general, your child doesn’t need to see the doctor for a common cold. But seek medical attention right away if your child has any of the following:
Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) in newborns up to 12 weeks
Rising fever or fever lasting more than two days in a child of any age
Symptoms that worsen or fail to improve
Severe symptoms, such as headache or cough
Wheezing
Ear pain
Extreme fussiness
Unusual drowsiness
Lack of appetite
THIS ONE WE ALREADY KNOW
Risk factors:
Weakened immune system. Having a chronic illness or otherwise weakened immune system increases your risk.
We’re used to COMPLICATIONS!
Acute ear infection (otitis media). This occurs when bacteria or viruses enter the space behind the eardrum. Typical signs and symptoms include earaches and, in some cases, a green or yellow discharge from the nose or the return of a fever following a common cold.
Asthma. A cold can trigger an asthma attack.
Acute sinusitis. In adults or children, a common cold that doesn’t resolve can lead to inflammation and infection of the sinuses (sinusitis).
Other secondary infections. These include strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis), pneumonia, and croup or bronchiolitis in children. These infections need to be treated by a doctor.
Here is the one that made me laugh😄😂
Steer clear of colds. Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold”
How the heck do we do that and still live our lives?
WE TRY!
On that note – I bid you a HAPPY THANKSGIVING – from me to you.
ENJOY!
C
