Where do cold symptoms come from? | SciShow Kids

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The lesson on understanding the common cold explains that colds are caused by viruses that enter the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes, leading to symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing. These symptoms indicate that the body is actively fighting the infection, with mechanisms like fever helping to combat the virus. Ultimately, while feeling sick is uncomfortable, it is a sign that the body is working to restore health.
  1. What are some signs that your body is fighting off a cold?
  2. How do you think a fever helps your body when you have a cold?
  3. Why is it important to understand that feeling sick can mean your body is working hard to protect you?

Understanding the Common Cold

Have you ever felt sick with a runny nose or sneezes? You might have had a cold! Colds are caused by tiny germs called viruses. These viruses can sneak into our bodies through our mouth, nose, or eyes. Once they get inside, they start making copies of themselves and can make us feel unwell.

How Our Bodies Fight Back

Even though having a cold doesn’t feel great, those yucky feelings are actually signs that our bodies are working hard to protect us. For example, when we have a runny nose or sneeze, our body is trying to push the viruses out. It’s like our body’s way of cleaning up!

Sometimes, we might get a fever when we have a cold. A fever makes our body warmer, which can make it harder for the virus to make more copies. This gives our body a chance to fight back and get rid of the virus.

Why Feeling Sick Can Be a Good Sign

So, even though having a cold isn’t fun, it’s important to remember that those symptoms are signs that our body is doing its job. Our body is like a superhero, fighting off the bad viruses to keep us healthy. Next time you have a cold, know that your body is working hard to make you feel better!

  • Have you ever had a cold before? What did it feel like, and what did you do to feel better?
  • Can you think of any ways to help your body fight off a cold or stay healthy? What are some things you do to keep germs away?
  • Why do you think our body has symptoms like a runny nose or fever when we have a cold? How do you think these symptoms help us get better?
  • Germ Detective: Go on a germ hunt around your home or classroom! Look for places where germs might hide, like doorknobs, light switches, or toys. Use a magnifying glass to pretend you’re a detective searching for tiny germs. After your hunt, talk about how washing hands and cleaning these areas can help keep germs away.
  • Body’s Defense Game: Pretend to be the body’s defense system! One child can be the “virus,” while others are the “body’s defenders.” The virus tries to tag the defenders, while the defenders try to avoid being tagged by moving quickly and using “sneezes” (pretend sneezes) to push the virus away. This game helps you understand how your body works to fight off germs.
  • Temperature Experiment: With the help of an adult, use a thermometer to measure the temperature of warm water and cold water. Discuss how a fever is like the warm water, making it harder for viruses to stay in the body. Think about how your body uses fever to fight off colds and why it’s important to rest and drink fluids when you’re sick.

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