The cold, or common cold, is an illness mostly caused by a living, tiny organism named a virus. There are more than 200 types of viruses that cause cold but the most common one is the rhinovirus that causes 10 to 40% of colds. Colds are usually harmless even if they might not feel that way.
Colds are very common and widespread and most cases are caused by a virus. Treatment with antibiotics is not advisable, as antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Common cold affects the nose and airways and its symptoms are milder than a flu. A sore throat, pain when swallowing, a runny nose, and a mild fever are typical symptoms.
A cold virus penetrates the human body through a his nose, mouth or eyes. People can catch the disease by sharing objects that have been contaminated by the virus such as toys, telephones, utensils or towels. The virus can also spread by physical touch such as hand-to-hand contact with a contaminated person. The virus may also spread over the air through small drops released when someone who has cold talks, coughs or sneezes. Afterward, if the person touches his eyes, nose or mouth after such exposure or contact, he will likely catch the virus. Children below six years old are at a higher risk of catching the virus. A weakened immune system poses also a risk factor. One can get a cold anytime but both adults and children are more susceptible to catch colds in winter and fall. Smoking can increase the risk of catching severe colds. Common symptoms appear usually within three days following the contact with the virus causing cold. These symptoms can differ from individual to individual and include low-grade fever, sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, a minor headache or minor body aches, cough, and sore throat. As the cold continues, the release from the affected person’s nose can become yellow and thicker or even green but this is not a sign of an infection caused by the bacteria.
A cold usually runs its course without lasting harm and then disappears on its own. Rarely it is the start of a serious infection such as a lung infection. Just as with the flu, bed rest and sufficient hydration are recommended. If necessary, fever reducing medication can be taken. Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays and inhalants can provide additional relief. Although an exception to the rule, a bacterial infection may be present alongside a viral infection, in which case a doctor can prescribe an antibiotic.
Several years of work in academia, medical practice and finally commercialization make it possible to provide an end-to-end process to help users to “find the appropriate medical help based on their present symptoms”. Below you will find a short explanation, showing you which part of the platform will help you best in finding the appropriate medical support.
Proceed as follows to enter your current symptoms.
Click on the appropriate body part on the picture. Select one/multiple symptoms corresponding to your complaint.
You can also add symptoms by typing your medical complaint in the search box and selecting the best matching suggestion.
Note: Your information will be kept anonymously.
Once you have selected all applicable symptoms, click the “analyze disease pattern”-button.
Accordingly, you will get a list of possible diseases and matching doctor categories who can further help you.
You can inform yourself about the possible diseases by reading the related information. But you can also return to the previous step and add more symptoms or delete already added ones to further narrow down your disease pattern.
Click on the desired doctor category to find a doctor who can help you.
If you are logged in with your profile, you will be displayed the appropriate doctors in your area. Otherwise you can enter an address in the “address” field and you will be displayed a doctor’s list around that specified address.
You will receive further information about the displayed doctors when you press on “details”.
Online bookable doctors in your area will be indicated with the notation “Book appointment” or “Book externally”, additionally they will be displayed on top of the list for your convenience.
Click on “Book appointment” to start the online appointment booking process with the desired doctor.
Please select an available appointment. “Green“ appointments are booked directly. “Red“ appointments need to be confirmed by the doctor.
Enter your general personal and health information.
Enter your present medical symptoms.
Enter your mobile phone number to identify yourself and you can finalize the appointment booking.
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