Distinguishing viruses responsible for influenza-like illness

Eating Rice During Cold Causes Fever, Know Why This Happens

When it comes to combating the common cold, many people turn to comfort foods like rice. However, there's a pervasive belief that eating rice during a cold can actually worsen symptoms and even lead to fever. But is there any truth to this claim? Let's delve into the matter and uncover the facts behind this longstanding belief.

Dispelling the Myth: Rice and Fever 1. The Cold and Rice Conundrum

The notion that consuming rice during a cold can induce fever has been ingrained in various cultures for generations. This belief often stems from anecdotal experiences rather than scientific evidence.

2. Understanding the Cold Before delving into the relationship between rice consumption and fever, it's crucial to understand the common cold itself. The common cold is primarily caused by viruses, such as rhinoviruses, and not by specific foods. 3. Nutritional Composition of Rice Rice is a staple food in many parts of the world due to its affordability, versatility, and nutritional value. It is rich in carbohydrates and provides essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. 4. Myth vs. Reality Contrary to popular belief, there is no direct scientific evidence linking rice consumption to fever during a cold. Fever typically occurs as a result of the body's immune response to viral infections, not due to specific foods like rice. Exploring Possible Explanations 1. Digestive Strain Some individuals may experience digestive discomfort when consuming certain foods, including rice, during a cold. However, this discomfort is unlikely to directly cause fever. 2. Food Sensitivities In rare cases, individuals may have food sensitivities or allergies that can manifest as symptoms resembling those of a cold, such as nasal congestion or inflammation. However, this is unrelated to the rice itself causing fever. 3. Hygiene and Food Preparation Improper food handling and hygiene practices can lead to foodborne illnesses that may present symptoms similar to those of a cold, including fever. However, this is not specific to rice consumption and applies to all foods. 4. Cultural Beliefs and Practices The belief that consuming rice during a cold can cause fever may be deeply rooted in cultural traditions and folk medicine practices. While cultural beliefs are important, they should be approached with a critical mindset and evaluated based on scientific evidence. Separating Fact from Fiction In conclusion, the idea that eating rice during a cold causes fever is largely a myth without substantial scientific backing. While individual experiences may vary, there is no direct causal relationship between rice consumption and fever during a cold. It's essential to rely on evidence-based information and consult healthcare professionals for proper guidance on managing cold symptoms and maintaining overall health. What are the signs of prostate cancer, do you also have this? How Eating Right Can Ward Off Disease and Slow Aging Know This Skincare Routine That Erases Years in Just One Week

Hay Fever Vs The Common Cold

Niamh McMillan, Superdrug's Pharmacy Superintendent, explains the differences between hay fever and the common cold. Length of symptoms. Hay fever symptoms often last longer than the common cold. "Unfortunately for hay fever sufferers, symptoms can last weeks or even months. Colds typically run their course between 7-10 days." Mucus colour and texture. Both hay fever and a cold usually come with a stuffy or runny nose, but you can tell the difference by looking at the mucus. "Hay fever sufferers will typically have mucus that is clear and watery…"

How To Tell The Difference Between A Cold And Hay Fever

Struggling to shift a pesky cold again? Wondering why your eyes are also feeling irritated, along with endless sniffles?

If this sounds familiar, it might be that you don't actually have a cold at all, but hay fever is causing your symptoms especially now we're well into spring. Symptoms can overlap but it's helpful to know which one you've got, so you can manage it appropriately.

So, how can you tell whether you've got a cold or hay fever? What is the difference between a cold and hay fever?

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They're caused by different things, firstly. Colds are caused by a virus that's spread from one infected person to another. Hay fever, meanwhile, is not contagious, as it's an allergic reaction some people have to pollen.

Claire Nevinson, Boots superintendent pharmacist, said: Pollen is a fine dust that disperses in the wind to reach other plants for pollination and start new plants. Tree pollen counts are highest between late March and mid-May, while grass and weed pollen counts are highest between mid-May and September.

"If you have hay fever, you're most likely to experience symptoms when the pollen count is high." When are your symptoms happening?

Noticing patterns with the timing of your symptoms can also help indicate whether it's hay fever. Do symptoms usually appear during pollen season, and get worse you go outside? However, viruses are still around during spring and summer, so the time of year doesn't rule out a cold entirely.

Claire added: "Colds can still occur during warmer months, and usually involve sneezing and coughing, along with a sore throat, headache and sometimes a loss of taste and smell."

Are there differences in symptoms? Many of the symptoms can be similar, but there are also tell-tale differences between a cold and hay fever.

The pharmacist said: "Hay fever doesn't cause a high temperature and most people do not feel unwell."

Some people's hay fever can be quite severe though, so how badly affected you are can vary. Another key indicator is duration of symptoms.

Claire said: "A cold usually lasts one to two weeks, while hay fever can last for weeks or even months, depending on the pollen count. The higher the pollen count, the worse the symptoms are likely to be."

The key symptoms of hay fever include "sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy red watery eyes or an itchy throat". Coughs are generally more associated with colds than hay fever, as well as general aches and pain, possibly a fever and a sore throat.

Both colds and hay fever cause runny nose and sneezing. Both can also cause people to feel more tired and fatigued than usual. But with a hay fever, you are also likely to experience itchy, red and watery eyes Claire points out. In some cases, hay fever may also be associated with feeling breathless, especially if you also have asthma.

Do you need to treat them differently? Yes. There's no cure for the common cold, so here it's about symptom management, depending on how unwell you feel.

Claire said: "For a cold, you should rest and drink plenty of fluids. You could also consider taking a cold symptom relief product these often include medicine for pain relief to help with aches, alongside a decongestant to help ease a blocked nose.

"If the product contains paracetamol, make sure you don't take any other paracetamol-containing products at the same time."

With hay fever, taking steps to help keep pollen at bay is also key.

Claire added: "Consider putting a barrier balm, such as petroleum jelly, around the nostrils to trap pollen, and wear wraparound sunglasses to help keep pollen out of your eyes. There are a range of hay fever relief products available from tablets to nasal sprays and you can always speak to your pharmacist to find which products are suitable for you."

If over-the-counter remedies are not helping, check in with your GP, as some people may need more support with managing allergies. Boots also offers an Online Doctor Hayfever Treatment service. Your local pharmacists can also advice on treatments if you are unsure.

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