Immune System Diseases
More Than 200 Different Viruses

Immune system diseases and Senior health
Because there are so many causative viruses there are currently no medicinal cures for the cold. Preventative medication that will strengthen your immune system has therefore proven significantly successful and is generally the recommended route.

There are more than 200 different viruses that can cause a cold. Some of the more common ones include rhinovirus, corona virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (flu) and para-influenza, each one with their own severity.

They are usually left to run their course within 1 to 2 weeks without complications and require little medical attention unless such complications occur.

Complications may include the development of more serious conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, sinusitis or attacks of asthma in susceptible people.

Once a cold takes hold symptoms like a tickly nose and/or itchy throat usually begin within 2 or 3 days, followed by sneezing and a watery nasal discharge.

From 1 to 3 days discharges become more profuse. It is at this time that you are at your most contagious.

The Flu is more serious than a cold as it has the potential of leading to other complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infection and even meningitis.

If you:

* Are 65 years or over
* Have lung, heart, or kidney problems, a blood disorder, or suffer from a metabolic disease
* Have a lowered immunity due to prolonged use of medications

You are at greater risk of infection and need to protect yourself more precisely.

There are currently no medical cures for the flu. Preventative medicine and keeping your immune system in peak conditions are therefore the only significantly successful methods of beating these conditions.

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