The common cold is a viral infection primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. It is caused by a variety of viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses. The symptoms of the common cold typically include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, mild headache, and sometimes a low-grade fever. It is a highly contagious illness that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

 

 

 

The common cold has been a prevalent human ailment for centuries, and its exact origin is difficult to trace. The ancient Egyptians described symptoms resembling the common cold in medical texts dating back over 5,000 years. However, it was not until the late 19th century that the nature of the common cold began to be understood.

 

 

 

The first scientific identification of the common cold as a contagious viral illness occurred in the early 20th century. In 1956, a scientist named Dr. Winston Price coined the term “rhinovirus” to describe a group of viruses responsible for causing the majority of common cold cases. Since then, other viruses, such as coronaviruses and respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV), have also been identified as common cold pathogens.

 

 

 

So WHY hasn’t our medical professionals been able to ‘cure the common cold’? This is a question that has been asked for decades. The following is a good possibility of WHY the common cold still exists and why the ‘establishment’ hasn’t found a way to completely obliterate it.

 

 

 

“In the US, studies have estimated the annual cost of the common cold to between 25-40 billion USD per year” … And just to clarify, Rhinovirus is the most common cause for the common cold, which accounts for 10 to 40 percent of colds. Other common cold viruses include coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (but there are more than 200 different types of viruses that cause common colds).

 

 

 

So, what products (not ‘services, just ‘products’) make up this 25 – 40 BILLION DOLLARS? Note that we’re only discussing actual tangible items below this. The above figures DO INCLUDE ‘doctor visit costs’ due to people going to the doctor due to the common cold. “We found that the common cold leads to more than 100 million physician visits annually at a conservative cost estimate of $7.7 billion a year. More than one-third of patients who saw a doctor received an antibiotic prescription.”

 

** The following lists are comprehensive but NOT exhaustive, there are MANY more items we did not include. **

 

 

OTC :

• Analgesics/Pain Relievers : Some examples include Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve)
• Decongestants : Some examples include Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
• Expectorants : Some examples include Guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin)
• Cough Suppressants : Some examples include Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, Delsym)
• Nasal Sprays/Drops : Some examples include Saline nasal sprays/drops (Ocean, Ayr), Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
• Sore Throat Lozenges/Sprays : Some examples include Benzocaine lozenges (Cepacol, Chloraseptic), Phenol lozenges (Chloraseptic), Pectin lozenges (Ricola), Throat sprays (Chloraseptic, Cepacol)
• Antihistamines (for sneezing, runny nose, and itching) : Some examples include Loratadine (Claritin), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Multisymptom Cold Remedies : Some examples include Daytime/Nighttime Cold and Flu formulas (Nyquil, Tylenol Cold)
• Eye Drops (Lubricating eye drops for dry or irritated eyes) : Some examples include Clear Eyes, Visine

 

 

 

Prescription :

• Analgesics/Pain Relievers : Some examples include Acetaminophen with codeine, Oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet)
• Decongestants : Some examples include Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine), Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
• Expectorants : Some examples include Guaifenesin with codeine, Potassium iodide/guaifenesin (SSKI)
• Cough Suppressants : Some examples include Codeine, Dextromethorphan with guaifenesin (Robitussin AC)
• Nasal Sprays/Drops : Some examples include Corticosteroid nasal sprays (Flonase, Nasonex), Antihistamine nasal sprays (Astelin, Astepro), Ipratropium nasal spray (Atrovent)
• Antihistamines : Some examples include Fexofenadine (Allegra), Levocetirizine (Xyzal), Desloratadine (Clarinex)
• Antiviral Medications : Some examples include Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Zanamivir (Relenza)
• Combination Medications : Prescription-strength cold and flu formulations containing a combination of analgesics, decongestants, cough suppressants, and antihistamines.
• Antibiotics (if a bacterial infection complicates the cold) : Some examples include Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Clarithromycin
• Inhalers (for individuals with underlying respiratory conditions) : Some examples include Albuterol inhalers (ProAir, Ventolin), Combination inhalers containing corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators (Advair, Symbicort)

 

 

 

Household Items :

• Tissues : Soft facial tissues are essential for blowing your nose and managing nasal discharge. Look for tissues that are gentle on the skin and offer extra softness to prevent irritation.
• Facial Tissue with Lotion : These tissues are infused with lotion or aloe vera, which can help soothe and protect the skin from excessive nose blowing or wiping.
• Hand Sanitizer : Hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol can help kill germs and prevent the spread of the cold virus. Use it after sneezing, coughing, or touching your face to maintain good hand hygiene.
• Disinfectant Wipes/Sprays: Use disinfectant wipes or sprays to clean commonly touched surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and countertops. This can help reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.
• Humidifier : Running a humidifier can help add moisture to the air and relieve dryness in your nasal passages and throat. This can ease congestion and soothe irritated tissues.
• Saline Nasal Spray : Saline nasal sprays or drops help to moisturize and flush out nasal passages, providing temporary relief from congestion and promoting easier breathing.
• Warm Mist Vaporizer : Similar to a humidifier, a warm mist vaporizer adds moisture to the air. It can be particularly helpful if you have a cough, as the warm mist can soothe your throat.
• Throat Lozenges : Throat lozenges or cough drops can provide temporary relief for sore throat and coughing. Look for lozenges that contain ingredients like menthol, honey, or soothing herbal extracts.
• Lip Balm : The common cold can cause chapped lips due to excessive nose blowing or breathing through the mouth. Applying lip balm can help keep your lips moisturized and prevent dryness and cracking.
• Warm Comfort Items : Items like warm blankets, cozy socks, and comfortable clothing can help provide comfort and promote relaxation during periods of rest and recovery.

 

 

 

Holistic : (If these do not work, people tend to go over to OTC and Prescription)

• Essential Oils : Certain essential oils are believed to have antimicrobial and decongestant properties. Examples include eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and lavender oil. They can be used in diffusers, steam inhalation, or diluted with carrier oils and applied topically.
• Herbal Teas : Various herbal teas are used in holistic practices to alleviate cold symptoms. Examples include chamomile tea, ginger tea, echinacea tea, and elderberry tea. These teas are often consumed for their soothing, immune-supportive, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Herbal Supplement s: Certain herbs and botanicals are believed to support the immune system and overall wellness. Examples include echinacea, elderberry, astragalus, and ginseng. These herbs are available in various forms, such as capsules, tinctures, or teas.
• Homeopathic Remedies : Homeopathy is a system of medicine that uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. Homeopathic remedies for cold symptoms may include ingredients like Oscillococcinum, Allium cepa, Nux vomica, and Pulsatilla.
• Acupuncture (a service) : Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to help restore balance and promote healing.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) : TCM includes various practices such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary recommendations.
• Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayurveda, an ancient Indian holistic system, utilizes herbs, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle practices to promote balance and well-being. Ayurvedic remedies for cold symptoms may include herbs like holy basil, turmeric, ginger, and licorice root, among others.

 

 

 

Wives’ Tails :

• Chicken Soup : Chicken soup is often believed to have soothing properties and can help relieve congestion and provide hydration and nourishment. It may also provide warmth and comfort during illness.
• Honey and Warm Water : Mixing honey with warm water or herbal tea is thought to soothe a sore throat and provide relief from coughing.
• Garlic : Garlic is believed to have antimicrobial properties and is sometimes used as a natural remedy for cold symptoms. It can be consumed raw, added to foods, or taken in supplement form.
• Ginger : Ginger is often used in hot teas or added to meals to help alleviate symptoms of the common cold, such as sore throat and congestion. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
• Saltwater Gargle : Gargling with warm saltwater is a traditional remedy for sore throat relief. It can help reduce inflammation and soothe the throat.
• Hot Water with Lemon and Honey : A mixture of hot water, lemon juice, and honey is commonly used as a soothing drink for cold symptoms. Lemon is believed to provide vitamin C, while honey may help soothe the throat.
• Steam Inhalation : Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or using a humidifier is believed to help relieve nasal congestion and loosen mucus in the respiratory tract.
• Echinacea : Echinacea is a herb that is often used as a natural remedy to support the immune system and reduce cold symptoms.
• Vitamin C-Rich Foods : Consuming foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and kiwi, is believed to boost the immune system and help fight off colds.
• Rest and Fluids : While not a specific remedy, getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated by drinking fluids like water, herbal tea, and clear broth is important for supporting the immune system and recovering from a cold.

 

 

 

After reading all this and taking it all in, do you REALLY think that if Big Pharma could cure the common cold, they actually would?? .. Nope! There’s TOO MUCH MONEY AT STAKE! …. THOUGHTS? .. COMMENT BELOW.

 

 

** Sources :
https://www.chr-hansen.com/en/sustainability/innovating-for-a-sustainable-future/the-societal-costs-of-a-common-cold
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/facts-about-the-common-cold
https://www.webmd.com/news/20030224/cost-of-common-cold-40-billion