Why do children get colds more than adults?

Arabia Weather - Things usually start with pain in the throat and sniffles here and there, but after a short time, you can find yourself suffering from frequent coughing, sneezing, and nasal congestion frequently; Due to the spread of the annoying cold, whether you are an adult or a child, this phenomenon is common to everyone, but have you ever noticed that children seem more susceptible to colds compared to adults? In this article, we will find out whether children are indeed more susceptible to colds than adults, and if so, we will investigate possible reasons for this phenomenon.

What is a cold?

We are all exposed to colds frequently in our lives, and we are all aware that this problem is caused by a viral infection, as this virus is transmitted from one person to another, resulting in annoying symptoms such as sore throat, headache, and nasal congestion. These symptoms develop mainly in areas where... Warm, where viruses attach and continue to spread.

How many colds do people get?

Adults typically get a range of 2 to 4 colds per year , but it varies greatly for children, and some experts suggest that children younger than 2 years old can get an average of about 8 to 10 colds per year . Although older children may see a decrease in the number of colds, they are still more susceptible to catching them than adults, and this is especially evident during the winter when children spend more time indoors, which enhances the transmission of infection between them. .

Why do children get more colds?

Well, we've shown that adults don't suffer much from an increase in the number of colds annually, but let's look in detail at the reasons why children get more colds.

Children lack immunity

Colds affect young children more; Because they simply could not build sufficient immunity against the hundreds of cold viruses spread around them, and when you are infected with the virus, you gain immunity to it, which means that it will not cause you problems in the subsequent times. This is why the incidence of colds decreases as a person approaches puberty.

Colds are contagious

Children can be exposed to many cold viruses; Because of their presence with their peers at school and their gathering places after studying. These viruses spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, which means that children playing physically close to each other increases the transmission of this infection.

In addition, viruses can live on surfaces for hours, which means toys and surfaces can become another source of transmission of colds. Another reason why young children are more susceptible to colds is that they often put things in their mouths.

Symptoms of the common cold in children

The symptoms of a cold can be recognized by the following:

• Runny nose or congestion in the nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Headache
• Mild irritation in the throat
• Anorexia
• Feeling tired and exhausted
• Mild temperature rise

In the case of infection with the influenza virus, symptoms may include the following:

• A sharp rise in temperature.
• Severe cough.
• Body aches.

It is noted that influenza infects people faster than colds, and makes them feel worse. Usually, children who suffer from colds have enough energy to play and continue their daily routine, while children with influenza may need bed rest.

Dealing with colds in children

Given that children cannot take many medications that adults can, we should look for alternatives to help them deal with colds, including:

• Comforts

Children may not be excited about the idea of time off from school, but in extreme cold situations, rest is important. This will allow children to recover, and reduce transmission to classmates and teachers.

• Vitamin C

Vitamin C can support the immune system, and children may need more of it during colds. You can include foods rich in vitamin C in their diet or use vitamin C supplements.

• Humidity

Children should continue to drink water regularly, as water helps keep the body hydrated and helps the immune system work effectively.

• Herbal remedies

It may be necessary to try herbal remedies to relieve symptoms. Children can take some herbs such as chamomile to relieve cough.

• Nasal spray

Nasal spray can help reduce nasal congestion and relieve breathing problems and can be used for children over the age of two.

• Herbal remedies for older children

For children over 12 years of age, there are additional options for herbal remedies such as Bronchoforce to treat chesty cough. This remedy contains ivy and thyme to help cleanse the chest and relieve coughs and colds.

Also know:

Dehydration, methods of treating it, and how to prevent it

The simplest ways to purify, sterilize and filter water

Sources:

avogel