Don't just go on as normal when you have a cold

Many of us often don’t allow ourselves enough time to recover from a cold, which might end up making it worse. — dpa

“I’m not going to let a bit of a cough and runny nose slow me down!”

Have you ever told yourself this, then pressed on with a scratchy throat, feeling tired and unwell, perhaps because you thought you had to?

Believe it or not, what your body needs most when you have a cold is rest so that your immune system can better fight the virus.

If you don’t take it easy, you risk a lingering infection that can land you two weeks later in the clinic with a bad case of sinusitis, or sinus infection.

How do lingering colds occur? And how can you prevent them?

Here are answers to five pertinent questions:

1. First of all, what happens in your body when you catch a common cold?

“It usually involves inflammation of the upper respiratory tract – in other words, the mucous membranes in your nose, throat and bronchial tubes in your lungs, for example,” says Saxony (Germany) Association of General Practitioners chairman Dr Torben Ostendorf.

Many different viruses can cause a cold.

You feel unwell because your immune system is busy fighting the pathogen.

“The body responds with multiple defence mechanisms that can result in various symptoms,” says Cologne-based Professional Association of Paediatricians (BVKJ) spokesman Dr Jakob Maske.

Typical among them are a cough, sore throat, runny nose and fatigue.

The immune system destroys cells infected by the virus.

It also produces antibodies specific to the virus, along with a number of “memory cells” that remain after the infection is over, enabling a rapid response if the same virus attacks again.

In short, fighting a cold is a lot of work for your body, so you should make it as easy as possible.

2. How does an infection become prolonged?

“When you have a cold, it’s important not to put your body under additional strain,” Dr Ostendorf says.

This means refraining from strenuous physical activity and shifting down a gear, so to speak.

“Otherwise, you risk your body not being able to concentrate on fighting the infection”, which can prolong it.

The advice also applies to colds with only mild symptoms, says Dr Maske.

If your immune system isn’t working as well as it should, the virus can spread and cause complications.

“This can result in a runny nose becoming sinusitis and a cough escalating to bronchitis, or even pneumonia,” warns Dr Ostendorf.

It’s even possible that your initially “innocuous” infection develops into myocarditis, which is “no laughing matter”, he says.

Myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium), can be caused when a virus attacks the heart muscle cells.

The body’s immune response can also damage the cells.

The condition can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood, with symptoms including a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

3. What are warning signs of a prolonged cold?

You normally recover from a cold in about a week.

Symptoms that persist can indicate a lingering infection.

“Typical warning signs are continuing to feel weak or having a fever that lasts longer than four days,” Dr Maske says.

Worsening symptoms are a further sign.

Common symptoms of sinusitis include a feeling of strong pressure in your forehead, nose, cheek or upper jaw.

“The pressure is generally much stronger when you bend over,” Dr Ostendorf says.

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A typical sign of bronchitis is a cough that brings up mucus.

“Many sufferers also have a fever,” he adds.

ALSO READ: A persistent cough that is not Covid-19

Myocarditis symptoms are quite varied.

Frequent among them are fatigue and lightheadedness.

Shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat and chest pain can also be caused by myocarditis.

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4. When should you see a doctor?

“You should get medical attention whenever the aforementioned warning signs appear, or when you experience unusual signs of illness,” Dr Maske says.

“A fever above 39°C can be an alarm signal as well and should be checked by a doctor,” advises Dr Ostendorf.

This applies particularly to high-risk patients with chronic illnesses – a group that should be more careful in general and consult their general practitioner (GP) earlier.

ALSO READ: These tips all apply whether you have a cold, flu or Covid-19

5. How much can you take on when you’ve got a cold?

In most cases, it’s possible to get through your daily routine with few limitations.

And there’s nothing wrong with taking walks if you feel like it.

“Moderate physical exertion is allowed, but not sport, of course,” says Dr Maske.

“Nor should you engage in competitive sport at full intensity for up to two weeks after having had a cold”, in order to give your body enough time to recuperate.

A general rule for anyone with a cold: “Rest as much as possible,” says Dr Ostendorf.

This means that intensive workdays are also out. – By Pauline Jurgens/dpa