It’s the season to be jolly, but also the season to catch a cold. Unfortunately, the common cold can be stubborn and can linger for weeks, making you feel more miserable than jolly.
While some may start feeling better within a week, others could take longer to heal. In this article, we will dive into the 10 reasons why your cold might be taking longer to heal.
1. You Have a Weakened Immune System
Your immune system is your body’s defense mechanism against viruses and bacteria. If you have a weakened immune system, your body may not be able to fight off cold viruses as effectively.
This can result in a prolonged illness and a longer healing time compared to people with a stronger immune system.
2. Your Cold is Caused by a Different Virus
The common cold is caused by many different viruses, such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, and adenovirus. If your cold is caused by a different virus than what you’re used to, it may take longer to heal.
This is because our immune system builds up resistance to specific viruses over time, and when faced with a new virus, it may take longer to develop a defense.
3. You are Not Resting Enough
When you rest, your body gets a chance to focus on healing. If you don’t rest enough, your body has to divide its energy between healing and other daily activities, which can slow down the healing process.
If you want your cold to heal faster, it’s important to get ample rest and avoid strenuous activities as much as possible.
4. Your Body is Dehydrated
Drinking enough fluids is key when you have a cold. Fluids help to flush out the viruses and bacteria from your body, keeping you hydrated and helping to heal your respiratory system.
When your body is dehydrated, the mucus in your nose and throat can become thicker, causing congestion and prolonging your cold. Make sure to drink plenty of water, tea, and broth to keep your body hydrated.
5. You Exposed Yourself to More Germs
The cold virus spreads easily, and exposure to more germs can cause a prolonged cold. If you have been around people who have a cold or been in crowded places with poor ventilation, you may have exposed yourself to more germs.
Related Article
5 Reasons You Can’t Shake Your Cold
A higher germ exposure can prolong the duration of your cold.
6. You are Stressed Out
Stress is known to weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to infections. When you have a cold, stress can also prolong your illness, making it take longer to heal.
It’s important to manage stress levels during this time by taking relaxing baths, meditating, or practicing yoga.
7. You Have an Underlying Medical Condition
If you have an underlying medical condition such as asthma, allergies, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it can make your cold symptoms worse and cause a longer healing time.
It’s important to see your doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions that can affect your cold.
8. You are Biting Your Nails or Touching Your Face Often
When you bite your nails or touch your face often, you transfer germs from your hands to your mouth and nose, making it easier for the viruses to spread. This can cause a prolonged illness and make it take longer for you to heal.
Make sure to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face to prevent the virus from spreading.
9. You are Not Taking the Right Treatment
If you’re not taking the right treatment for your cold, it can prolong your illness. For example, if you have a bacterial infection, taking antibiotics may be necessary but taking antibiotics for a viral infection can worsen your symptoms.
Make sure to see a doctor to get the right treatment for your condition.
10. You Have a Compromised Respiratory System
If you have a compromised respiratory system, such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, or emphysema, it can make your cold symptoms worse and cause a longer healing time.
It’s important to get prompt treatment for any underlying respiratory conditions to avoid complications.
