How does the common cold affect your body? The common cold is best described as a viral infectious disease that infects the body’s upper respiratory system. The common cold is also known as ‘acute viral rhinopharyngitis’, or ‘acute coryza’. The common cold is the most popular infectious disease in humans, and it is largely caused by coronaviruses or rhinoviruses. The main difference between the common cold virus and the Swine Flu virus is that while both will penetrate and infect cells, the Swine Flu virus actually infects cells deeper in the lungs than does the common cold virus.

The human body can never build up resistance to all the viruses that can cause the common cold. This is why colds are so common and recurring. Did you know that the typical kindergarten child gets an average of 12 colds per year? Compare that to adolescents and adults who catch about seven per year. Have you ever considered the use of fresh ginger in the common cold? Ginger is said to be an excellent home remedy for colds and coughs. Try this – cut ten grams of ginger into small pieces, then and boil them in the equivalent of a cup of water. Strain it then add half a teaspoon of sugar and drink while very hot. Do this twice daily – it may just work for you.

Looking for other common cold and flu treatments? A host of options await, but here are some key tips to help you AVOID getting the cold or flu in the first place: 1) Avoid close contact with someone who has a cold or the flu. 2) Eat lots of vitamin-rich vegetables and fruit regularly in order to help keep your immune system strong. 3) Wash your hands regularly – cold and flu viruses can be transmitted from one person to another by touch. 4) Keep surfaces in your home clean – particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. 5) Avoid touching your face – especially your nose and mouth.

Influenza A (H1N1) is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus that is easily spread from person-to-person.

HOW DO PEOPLE GET INFLUENZA A (H1N1)?
A person can get influenza A (H1N1) by:

• Breathing in the virus when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• Contact with objects that have been recently touched by an infected person, such as a door knob or a telephone.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF INFLUENZA A (HIN1)?

• Fever
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny and stuffy nose
• Extreme fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (these symptoms may also occur, but are more common in children).

CAN INFLUENZA A (H1N1) BE PREVENTED?
To prevent the spread of H1N1:

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
• Use paper towel (tissue) to cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
• Dispose of used tissue in the garbage IMMEDIATELY.
• Avoid close contact with persons exhibiting flu-like symptoms, such as handshaking, hugging or kissing.
• If you are sick, stay home until you are well. If you have severe flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY.

If you have traveled to or come into contact with someone from affected countries such as Mexico, Canada, United Kingdom or the United States, and have flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor or nearest health center immediately.