The Effects of a Cold on the Human Body
Introduction
Some symptoms of the common cold include a runny or stuffy nose, a sore throat, slight body aches, coughing, and a fatigued feeling. In this report, the ways our bodies are affected when we get a cold will be explored and questions about our body when we have a cold will be answered.
How Our Bodies are Affected
There are many ways our bodies are affected by the common cold, some of which being:
Cells Send Distress Signals to the Rest of the Body: Cytokines are small proteins created by immune cells that act as messengers in the body to alarm our white blood vessels and brain of the virus.
Our White Blood Cells Begin to Fight the Virus: Once “summoned” by cytokines, they enlarge the blood vessels in the areas that the virus has spread to. This makes the areas less comfortable for the virus to develop.
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Fluids Escape from Our Bodies: When we have a runny nose, our body is given the opportunity to clear all the used white cells, virus, and excess fluid.
Questions About the Human Body During a Cold
- Why are we so tired when we get a cold?: Because our immune system is “working overtime” and our bodies redirect the metabolic energy to produce more white blood cells and antibodies.
- Why don’t we have an appetite when sick?: Our brain is signaled to suppress appetite when the immune cells in our gut detect infections and sends signals to the brain.
- What is the difference between the common cold and the flu?: The cold and the flu are both caused by different viruses, and although have some similar symptoms, the cold generally has much milder symptoms. Symptoms of the flu include: Chills, body aches, and heavy fatigue. Symptoms of the common cold include: Sore throat, runny nose, slight fatigue, and a cough.
Sources Used:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-the-medical-immunity-3955691
