Show Common Cold Becomes King Ding During Winter This is the time of year when the common cold becomes king kingas kingas as a troublemaker This is the time to prevent colds because there is still no specific treat treat- treatment ment that is eff effective against cold virus That's the warning from your neighborhood doctor who is a member of the Utah State Medical Association THE AME AMERICAN RICAN Medical Associations Association's new pamphlet reo re- reports ports that colds cost the United States 5 billion annually in lost wages lost production and medical expenses More than million days per year are lost from our work force More than 20 million people suffer from rom colds on any given wintry day The common cold is the most costly ailment in our coon coun- try as wen well as In most other countries The common cold is defined as an acute upper respiratory tract inflammation that ordin ordin- ordinarily arlly is communicable and is caused by vIruses But Dut this de de- de definition has little meaning since the popular use of the work from a minor sniffle and a anasal anasal nasal obstruction to a disabling Illness similar to influenza CURRENT research seems to indicate that colds are harder to catch than has been thought In controlled studies close con con- contact tact for several hours was nee necessary essary before cross infection occurred Fresh colds appear to be more contagious than old old- older old er ones and childrens children's colds have been shown to be more contagious than those of adults Even apparently well persons may harbor cold viruses and may infect others Low temperatures and ladle ladle- ment weather in themselves probably have little to do with precipitating colds There Is a sharp rise in incidence of colds at the time the winter heating beating season begins The lowered hu hu- hu humidity in heated rooms causes the dry nose and throat which contributes to susceptibility to infection The nose throat and lungs work better when the air that is breathed has a relative humidity of about 45 per cent NO SPECIFIC treatment so far available is effective again again- against st the cold virus Any treatment must be directed toward relief of the symptoms and prevention of complications The wonder drugs antibiotics and sulfas Bullas have no effect on viruses Bed rest or at least Inactivity in a Controlled environment is helpful help help- helpful ful Your doctor may suggest mild medication to help allay the discomfort |