Causes of the Common Cold

Series Summary

A cold or a flu can really put a damper on your day. Those plans to go to a movie or visit with friends don’t seem so appealing now that your head aches, your nose runs and you just can’t stop coughing. You called in sick to work as a precaution, but really hoped you would at least feel good enough to enjoy a good book or a juicy talk show. But you’re just plain miserable and not sure what to do to get better….

In this series of cold cure videos, our professional doctor and research scientist tells you how to avoid catching the cold and the common flu. And if this advice comes to late, she tells you how to get rid of that pesky cold as soon as possible. She recommends a vaporizer to clear up those stuffy nasal passages and the soothing effects of licorice root to calm nasal and throat irritation as well as relieve your cough. You will also learn about other herbal medicines. Our expert also discusses the effectiveness of over-the-counter cold and flu medications and sleep aids. Watch these free videos and find out how to get healthy during the winter season and stay that way.

Video Transcript

"Hello, my name is Dr. Susan Jewell, and on behalf of Expert Village, today I'm going to talk to you about ways to combat and find remedies to alleviate some of the symptoms of colds and flus. But first of all, you've got to understand that billions of people affected by colds and flus every year, annually at a particular time of the year. In the winter when people are more exposed to the germs and the cold weather. And so you also have to know the cause of colds and flus. Some are caused by bacteria and some are caused by viruses. Now, when the cold is caused by bacteria, then you can go to the doctor and the doctor will prescribe you drugs and antibiotics which will work to kill the bacteria that causes the colds and flus. But if you have a virus that causes the colds and flu, a viral flu, then there really are no drugs out there that really can kill the virus. So, usually what we recommend to patients who are viral flu is to have a lot of rest and sleep and hydration also (fluid intake). And just let the whole process take...the body take care of the problem itself. And usually that will take a few days up to a week, depending on the prior state of your health condition before you got the flu. "