In our daily lives, the cold is an extremely common disease, which, like an unexpected visitor, knocks on the door at times and breaks in at times, causing many inconveniences to our lives. However, do you really know the biopsy behind the cold? Let’s take a microtrip to explore the cold.
The most common perpetrators of colds, usually caused by viruses, include nose viruses, coronal viruses, influenza viruses, etc. These tiny pathogens, like invisible dancers, dance in our bodies, causing a series of symptoms.
When a virus invades the human body, it first breaks through the first line of protection of the human body — skin and mucous membranes. Our nasal cavities, mouths and mucous membranes of our eyes are areas of the virus that are vulnerable to intrusion. Once the virus has successfully entered, it begins a journey of attack on cells.
The virus has unique structures and survival strategies. They cannot metabolize and reproduce on their own, and must rely on host cell mechanisms. Like a parasite, born in a cell, using cell resources to replicate itself.
Inside the cell, the virus releases its genetic material (RNA or DNA) and hijacks the cell’s protein synthesis mechanism. The normal working order of the cells was disrupted and the protein and genetic material needed to produce the virus began to be produced in large quantities. As new virus particles grow, cells become overburdened and eventually break down to death.
Cell deaths cause inflammation. This is the stress of the body immune system, which aims to remove viruses and damaged cells. Inflammation causes mucous membranes in the nasal cavity and throat to become full of blood, swelling and more mucous. That’s what we’re feeling about, like, nose plugs and slugs.
At the same time, the immune system mobilizes immune cells such as white cells to fight. White cells are able to identify and devour the cells infected by the virus, releasing a cell factor to regulate the immune response. But excessive immune responses can sometimes have side effects, such as heat, headaches and muscular acidity.
Symptoms of flu are diverse and may include, in addition to the common symptoms mentioned above, coughing, throat pain, inactivity, etc. These symptoms are not only a sign of a physical struggle against the virus, but also a warning to us that our body is being invaded.
The cold virus is very contagious. They can be transmitted by foam, which, when the infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks, carries the virus into the air and is inhaled by nearby people. In addition, exposure to virus-contaminated articles, followed by contact with mouth, nose or eyes, can lead to infection.
Although flu is usually a self-contained disease that heals itself in about a week, it can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, etc., for some less immune populations, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases.
We are not helpless in the face of a cold. Prevention is the key. Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as hand washing, avoiding hand touching nose, nose and eyes, and maintaining indoor ventilation, can effectively reduce the risk of infection. Increased immunity is also an important measure to prevent influenza, including balanced diet, adequate exercise and adequate sleep.
When a cold strikes, reasonable treatment can relieve symptoms and make us comfortable. Drinking more water helps maintain the water balance of the body and promotes metabolism; rest allows the body to concentrate on fighting the virus; and for patients with more serious symptoms, medications, such as precipitating, coughing, etc., can be used under the direction of a doctor.
In short, the cold, while seemingly insignificant, hides complex biological processes behind it. Understanding the mechanisms for cold and preventive treatment helps us to better deal with this common health problem and to make our lives healthier and more comfortable.
It is to be hoped that each and every one of us will remain vigilant in our fight against the cold, the “invisible enemy”, and will use scientific knowledge and methods to safeguard our health and that of others.
