The modern view, by Dr Lynda Morton

SOME interesting concepts here, but what did the 1950s Doc get right? I love his definition stages of the three of a cold — the stuffy, sniffy, the and the discharging. right. Quite A cold does last 7- 10 days, but the cough can stay much longer to increased due mucous production stimulated by the virus (part of the immune response). A hot bath and aspirin are good for a cold by inhaling loosen steam to the mucous and bronchial soothe the tubes. Aspirin has some antiviral properties and reduces fever. Today we’d probably advocate Paracetamol rather than Aspirin as it can cause problems for people with asthma or tummy problems. For children, in particular, it has been linked with Reye’s syndrome, a condition similar to meningitis or encephalitis. Women have as many colds as men so I’m not sure plastering cold lotion on the hair or having it cut less often would make you more or less prone to a cold. Sweats are a sign that there may be more than a cold or pneumonia developing, but certainly won’t bring it on, per se. And I loved the use of hankies. Who can remember their mother pulling out a used hanky out of their pocket and smothering your face to wipe of the snottery discharge then popping it back in her pocket to fester until it was needed again? Thank goodness paper tissues. for As for smokers, the problem is picking up cigarettes in the first place. And “most of the harm is in the last half”? I suppose only smoking half a cigarette does cut the amount of poisons you inhale. He’s right that it’s the first few puffs that give the satisfaction, but smoking will increase the length of the illness and make your lungs more prone to catching infections colds and in the first place.