The Common Cold

What is the Common Cold?

Have you ever had a cough or sore throat? Have you felt weak or had to blow your nose frequently? These are symptoms of the common cold. Have you ever talked about colds in elementary school?

The Common Cold – Symptoms

Symptoms, explained for children, are signs of illness which indicate that you are suffering from the common cold. The following symptoms may occur individually or together:

Your body fights the pathogens to get rid of the cold quickly. The immune system is responsible for this.

What is the Immune System?

The immune system is an important body function. It is the inner defense system of the body that fights viruses and bacteria and protects you from getting sick. More specifically, your immune cells fight viruses and other pathogens and make sure that you don't get sick every time another child in your class has a cold.

Your immune system stores information about pathogens it has already fought against. This allows it to protect you better and better. That's why there are also vaccinations. They train your immune system to gather information on illnesses without making you sick.

Lack of sleep, prolonged stress, or unhealthy diet can have a negative impact on your immune system. This can make you more susceptible to bacteria and viruses and cause you to get a cold, for example.

How does the Common Cold develop?

Although your immune system tries hard, sometimes you catch a cold anyway. This is completely normal and can also happen when your immune system is very strong. The risk of catching the common cold is particularly high in spring, fall, and winter. But why is this more frequent during these seasons?

Does Cold Weather Cause the Common Cold?

Common colds are caused by cold viruses. Cold weather cannot cause a cold! Nevertheless, the seasons and weather play an important role. When it's cold, the air is drier. As a result, viruses can multiply particularly well. At the same time, dry air affects the mucous membranes, for example in the nose. They also dry out due to the cold air and cannot protect you as well against the common cold in winter. In addition, the body is not as well perfused at low temperatures. This means that the immune cells do not work as well and cannot fight cold viruses as effectively.

To protect yourself and others, there are hygiene measures you can take. They ensure that viruses do not spread as easily. Regular handwashing is particularly helpful, as is sneezing or coughing into your elbow, and wearing a mask if you or others around you have a cold. You should also wash your hands thoroughly after blowing your nose with a tissue.

The picture shows what to consider when washing your hands:

What Can You Do Against the Common Cold?

When you have a cold, rest and relaxation are the most important things. This allows your body to gather strength, and you will usually recover quickly. In addition, you should drink plenty of water. Warm tea can also be soothing with a cold. You can also support your immune system by eating vitamin-rich and nutritious foods. This can be things like a delicious soup, fresh fruit, or a whole wheat sandwich.

There are no direct medications for cold viruses. However, if cold symptoms are particularly strong or uncomfortable, medication can be taken to alleviate these symptoms. A doctor can help you with this. Remember to ask your parents before taking any medication.

Be sure to take a look at our interactive exercises, worksheets, and activities on the common cold.