Let’s be honest; the wicked witch from the west would not scare us more than a cough from a stranger sitting beside us on the bus. Hello, folks! Welcome to 2021, where we are all confused between congestion and COVID. 

In this article, however, we shall go over types of viral infections, including allergies, common cold, flu, and COVID-19. As we proceed, we will also speak about their precautions and treatments, so stay tuned:

What are Allergies?

Allergies have several variants. Allergies are caused by hypersensitivity to seemingly harmless substances in the environment. Allergies might happen to you because of both your environment or your genes. 

The elements which cause allergies are called allergens, and they can be pollens, dust, flowers, certain medicines or foods, and metals. The immune system retaliates to them in negative ways. 

Allergic diseases include hay fever, insect stings, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma, and anaphylaxis. 

Symptoms of Allergies

• red eyes,
• itchy rashes
• sneezing
• a runny nose
• shortness of breath
• swelling

Precautions

Prevention is better than cure, and in the case of allergies, it couldn’t be any more accurate. Avoidance is the perfect and most natural precaution. 

It will help if you avoid exposure to your allergens. For instance, if you’ve had an allergic reaction to cat furs, let your doctor know about your allergy. If it’s possible and you do not have a die heart adoration for cats, avoiding owning one or being around one.  

Treatment

For chronic or severe allergies, Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, has appeared to be 90 to 98% effective at decreasing, at least insect stings. 

Other treatments consist of prescription of asthma medications, such as bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids.

Cold

The common cold is a viral infection caused by various viruses. It affects the upper respiratory tract (your nose and throat). Despite how it feels, it is nothing fatal. 

It is expected for us to have a common clue twice or thrice a year, which might be due to seasonal change or low temperature for a long time. It is only a risk for children under six and older men and women with a smoking record and other medical conditions.  

The cold is only here to stay for a week or ten days at most. If it overstays, its welcome; see your doctor.

Symptoms of Cold

Symptoms vary from person to person. Here are some:

• a runny nose
• sore throat
• cough
• congestion
• body ache and headache
• sneezing
• fever
• irritation

Precaution

Because cold is a viral disease, keep track of your hygiene. Wash your hands with antibacterial soaps and warm water, avoid contact with an infected person, disinfect your stuff and dress warm (in winters). 

Treatment

Pain killers like Tylenol, Advil, and Paracetamol can be your savior for relieving the pain. Cough syrups and decongestant nasal sprays, along with a lot of rest and a lot of vitamin C and zinc in your diet, will help break the miserable infection. 

Flu

The virus influenza causes the flu. It can lead to mild to severe illness or even death.

Symptoms

• high fever
• sore throat
• cough
• shortness of breath
• muscle aches or weakness
• fatigue
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Precautions

The flu and cold precautions are the same: to wash your hands repeatedly and stay distant from those who have it. Take care of your cleanliness, and additionally, use tissues. 

Treatment

A lot of rest and warm fluids can help kill influenza, but see your doctor and take the medicines he prescripts you if it doesn’t.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is caused by a virus called coronavirus (MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2). It sometimes shows itself; other times, it’s asymptomatic. COVID-19 is a novel edition and might be the deadliest, although it is gradually getting under control. 

Symptoms of COVID-19

• high fevers
• cough (dry)
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• muscle aches or weakness
• fatigue
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• loss of taste and/or smell; the distinction between congestion and COVID

Precautions

The best precautions against COVID-19 are wearing a mask in crowds, practicing social distancing (at least 6 ft), and washing your hands frequently. Be alert for symptoms, disinfect your stuff and avoid touching everything, including your face. 

Treatment

The vaccination is said to be out. Meanwhile, isolate yourself if you are diagnosed with COVID-19. The plasma of recovered patients and chloroquine are rumored to treat the virus too.