Common Cold Spiritual Meaning & Causes

What is the spiritual meaning of the common cold? Also, what is the spiritual meaning of a runny nose?

Introduction

The common cold, also referred to as viral rhinitis, is one of the most common infections among humans. 

It can occur at any time of the year; however, it is most common in the fall and winter due to factors like people’s tendency to remain indoors (less vitamin D) and the start of the school year.

Seasonal changes in relative humidity also may affect the prevalence of colds.

Adults get about 2 to 3 colds a year, and children may have up to 10 a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is also estimated that over 30 percent of school absences and 40 percent of time lost from work (40 billion dollars per year considering lost financial productivity) are due to the common cold.

An estimated 200,000 Americans are hospitalized each year because of problems with the illness.

Symptoms

The symptoms of viral rhinitis come on gradually and can include:

• a sore throat;
• a runny nose or congestion;
• a blocked nose;
• muscle aches;
• headaches, as a result of congestion;
• a high temperature (more than 37.5C in children and 38C in adults);
• a dry throat;
• pressure in the face and ears;
• sneezing triggered by nasal congestion;
• loss of smell and taste;
• coughing, typically dry at first;
• feeling tired;
• earaches, usually brought on by the congestion.

Note – symptoms typically begin 2 or 3 days after infection and last 2 to 14 days. 

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Causes

More than 200 viruses are known to cause this infection. This is the main reason people can catch colds over and over again.

The virus is spread by hand contact with an aerosol of the secretions and virus or secretions from an infected person.

Risk Factors

These factors can increase your chances of getting the infection:

• exposure – if you are around many people, like – on an airplane or at school, you are likely to be exposed to viruses which cause the common cold;
• stress – if you are under a lot of stress;
• smoking tobacco – you are more likely to catch this infection (probably the more severe form) if you smoke or are exposed to second-hand smoking;
• sleep – if you sleep less than 5 hours per night;
• time of year – both adults and children are more susceptible to colds in winter and fall;
• alcohol (only if you regularly consume alcoholic beverages);
• weakened immune system – taking some types of medications (like HIV/AIDS drugs) or having a chronic illness can considerably weaken your immune system;
• lack of exercise – if you are sedentary;
• age – children younger than six are at increased risk of this infection, particularly if they spend time in child-care settings.

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Spiritual Meaning Of The Common Cold

This infection can be a result of the confusion of your thoughts, due to the fact that you do not know where to go anymore. You are experiencing a state of total disorder, and your sensitivity is greatly affected.

You have too many things to manage at the same time. You feel crushed by family or professional obligations. You are cold, therefore you catch the “cold.”

The cold gives you time to rest so that you can protect yourself from others and keep a distance from them, to get in touch with yourself.

Because there is a release of secretions, it is possible for you to live in an emotional situation that affects you deeply, and these emotions must be released. Is there anything you want to cry about, without admitting though?

Because you experience nose congestion, is there any situation or person that “smells bad” and you do not want to feel close to it? Due to the fact that a cold can affect both your chest and your head, there may be an imbalance if you focus your attention on one plan, ignoring the other.

Being often related to the cold, it would be wise to ask yourself what situation or words caused the relationship to become “cold,” or your body to become “frozen” in such a way that you felt disappointed, hurt, and guilty.

Do you have any cold relationships in your life? Is there someone talking behind your back? Or are you the one who becomes “cold” against your own anger and pain? Because you see yourself as a victim, you accept others to give you “viruses.”

The Spiritual Meaning Of A Runny Nose

In many spiritual traditions, the body is viewed as a mirror reflecting our inner emotional state. A runny nose, therefore, could signify an emotional release. It might be your body’s way of expressing feelings you’ve been holding back, such as sadness.

From an energetic perspective, a runny nose could indicate a shift in your energy flow. Traditional Chinese Medicine, for instance, views the nose as a channel for Qi, or life force energy. A runny nose might imply that this energy is being released.

READ MORE: Laryngitis – Spiritual Meaning

Common Cold vs. Flu (Influenza) – Differences

Influenza (better known as the flu) is a viral infection of the upper respiratory and/or lower respiratory system that is caused by influenza viruses. Unlike the common cold, influenza can develop into a more serious condition, like – pneumonia.

This is particularly true for:

• individuals with health conditions that weaken their immune system;
• pregnant women;
• seniours;
• young children.

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Prevention

You can reduce your risk of getting this infection by following a few simple steps:

#1 Reduce Your Stress Levels

According to research, individuals experiencing emotional stress have weakened immune systems.

In addition, they are more likely to catch a cold than their calmer counterparts. Good methods to reduce your stress are mindfulness meditation, Tai Chi, or yoga.

#2 Stop Touching Your Face

Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth with unwashed hands since viruses that cause this infection can enter the body this way and make you sick.

#3 Don’t Smoke Tobacco & Avoid Second-Hand Smoking

Smoke can increase susceptibility to colds and other infections.

Also, according to some studies, people who are regularly exposed to tobacco smoke are less able to fight off the infection.

#4 Spend Time Outside

Vitamin D (also known as the sunshine vitamin) is an essential nutrient that tends to play an important role in most diseases, particularly infectious ones.

For instance, vitamin D produces 200 to 300 different antimicrobial peptides in the human body that fight viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

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#5 Nutrition

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can reduce cold symptoms by 24%, according to research.

It is better to get this vitamin from food since you also get other essential nutrients.

Foods rich in vitamin C include;

• lemons;
• limes;
• grapefruits;
• apples;
• blueberries;
• blackberries;
• pineapple;
• pears;
• radishes;
• cabbage;
• tomatoes;
• red kidney beans;
• broccoli;
• kale;
• spinach;
• garlic;
• onions;
• turnips;
• cantaloupe;
• prunes;
• plums.

Important Note

Since this infection is viral in nature, antibiotics are useless and should be avoided, unless your doctor diagnoses a serious secondary bacterial infection.

Overuse of antibiotics is believed to be the cause of an increase in more resistant strains of bacteria.

Images credit – Shutterstock & Getty Images

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References

https://www.health.harvard.edu/cold-and-flu/can-vitamin-c-prevent-a-cold
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23440782