- The virus affects the human system during winter and early spring.
- This virus is behind 20% of colds.
- There are more than 30 types of coronavirus, out of which only 3 or 4 ones are harmful.
- There are many varieties of coronavirus that affect animals, and up to six can affect humans.
- This type of virus typically causes mild to moderate upper SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome).
- Coronaviruses cause acute, mild upper respiratory infection (common cold).
- Coronaviruses are found in avian and mammalian species.
- They resemble each other in morphology and chemical structure: for example, the coronaviruses of humans and cattle are antigenically related.
- There is no evidence, however, that human coronaviruses can be transmitted by animals.
- In animals, various coronaviruses invade many different tissues and cause a variety of diseases, but in humans they are only proved to cause mild upper respiratory infections, i.e. common colds. On rare occasions, gastrointestinal coronavirus infection has been associated with outbreaks of diarrhoea in children, but these enteric viruses are not well characterized
It is practically impossible to completely prevent the spread of colds but you can take certain measures to reduce the chances of getting cold.
- Wash your hands often – It is probably the best measure to prevent the transfer of cold or any kind of infection. Use sanitizer while being in any public places and also make it a point to wash hands before eating. Teach the importance of hand-wash to kids also.
- Avoid touching your face – Try not to touch face, mouth, nose & eye areas, when you are near to a person infected with cold.
- Control stress – People facing emotional stress regularly have a weaker immune system, which implies that they could catch a cold easily. So, reduce stress and live a healthy life.
- Cleanliness – Keep household surfaces like doorknobs, drawer pulls, keyboards, light switches, telephones, remote controls, countertops, and sinks clean. These are the places where viruses lie for hours after they are used by an infected person.
- Avoid Smoking – Cigarette smoke could raise the chances of susceptibility to colds and other infections. Avoid passive smoking as well.
- Drink sufficient amount of water – Drink water, juice, clear broth, warm lemon water chicken soup, and other warm fluids. These will help you to stay away from cold or flu.
