German general practitioner Dr. Hans-Michael Mühlenfeld warned that failure to treat colds well could lead to serious complications: myocarditis, pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis media and bronchitis, according to the German Press Agency dpa.
The German doctor said that the common cold usually lasts for one to two weeks, stressing the need to consult a doctor if it lasts longer, especially if it is accompanied by symptoms such as dyspnea when climbing stairs and loss of sound and hearing deterioration.
To avoid these serious complications should be committed to complete comfort while strengthening the body's immunity by supplying it with an adequate amount of vitamin C between 95 and 155 milligrams per day, note that the food sources of vitamin C are acidic fruits such as oranges, tangerines, apples and sweet peppers.
To prevent colds from the ground, Mönefeld is advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap regularly for 20 to 30 seconds while also washing between the fingers and wearing warm clothes.