Aligarh: As the weather changes, problems like cold, cough and flu become common. Slight carelessness or weak immunity makes people victims of this problem again and again, but do you know why cold and cough occur again and again, what is the real reason behind it and how can it be cured without medicine? Answers to these questions were given by Shirjeel Ahmed, doing research in the Agricultural Microbiology Department of AMU.

Why do cold, cough and flu occur?

Shirjeel Ahmed, who is doing research in the Department of Agricultural Microbiology of AMU, said that cold, cough and cold are very common problems, which is called cold in common language. This disease is mainly caused by viruses. Viruses are microscopic organisms and there are many types of them, which mainly include rhino virus and influenza virus. Generally, the common cold is caused by rhino virus, whereas the flu or rapidly spreading viral infection is caused by influenza virus. The symptoms of these two may be different, but to common people it appears to be a similar problem.

Reason for frequent cold and cough

Researcher Shirjeel says that the biggest reason for frequent cold and cough is that the virus keeps changing its genetic material i.e. DNA continuously. For this reason, every time the body’s immunity does not recognize it completely and the infection occurs again. The virus spreads infection by attaching itself to different places in the body. He told that usually cold and cough get cured on its own in three to five days and maximum in seven days. In such a situation, it is not right to take medicines without doctor’s advice.

Do not self-administer antiviral or antibiotic medicines

Especially antiviral or antibiotic medicines should not be taken on your own. Antibiotics are given only in bacterial infections, whereas cold and cough are mostly viral. He said that it has often been seen that people start taking antibiotics as soon as they catch cold, which can cause other problems in the body. The biggest danger from this is antibiotic resistance, in which medicines stop working in future.

Home remedies are effective

Home remedies are very effective for prevention and relief from cold and cough. To reduce the symptoms, one should consume warm water and it is important to keep the body hydrated. Use of ginger tea, honey and black pepper provides relief from sore throat, runny nose and swelling. These measures have been tried for years and are considered quite effective.

Take medicine as per doctor’s advice

Shirjeel says that doctor’s advice and medicine should be taken only when the fever persists for several days, or the symptoms become more severe instead of reducing. Under normal circumstances, repeated consumption of medicines can weaken the body’s natural immunity. Therefore, taking unnecessary medicines, especially antibiotics, should be avoided until a bacterial infection is proven.