Diary Of A ColdWhat happens when you get a cold or flu? The viruses which cause colds and flu are spread in tiny droplets produced when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. They get into your body through your eyes or as you breathe. You get a cold or flu when the cells that protect your nose and throat from infection fail to stop the virus. The virus uses the cells in your nose and throat to reproduce itself. You will get a sore throat, runny nose and start sneezing as your body begins to rid itself of the infected cells. Use the sneeze as an early warning - this is the time to start treating the symptoms. Within 24 hours the infected cells have released chemicals to attract white blood cells to fight the virus. This causes inflammation in your nose and throat, giving you that blocked-up stuffy feeling. Your body may also release histamine, a substance which encourages your body to release mucus. This gives you a runny nose, a cough and it may also make you sneeze. If you have flu you will be feverish and the virus will produce toxins which will make your muscles ache. After four or five days,if your body's first response to the infection has not killed off the cold virus, your temperature may rise as two more types of white blood cell join the attack. This does not mean that the cold has turned into flu. You will feel more tired and sluggish because your body is using more energy to fight the virus and because it has lasted for a few days. You will also find your nose is more blocked up, or that you perhaps have pain around your eyes caused by blocked sinuses. You may still have a cough even after your cold has disappeared. Download Diary of a Cold (MS Word Format) |              |