COLDS

The common cold is an infection of the head and chest caused by a virus. There are over 200 different cold viruses. The virus can affect the nose, throat, sinuses, and ears. It can also affect the tube that connects the middle ear and throat, windpipe, voice box, and airways.

Cold symptoms begin within 1 to 3 days after exposure and last several days to a week. A cold usually starts with a tickle in the throat, a runny nose, and sneezing. Other symptoms that may soon follow include:

a thin, watery discharge from the nose that may become thick and greenish-yellow after a few days
nasal congestion
watery eyes
a mild sore throat
a low fever
a mild headache
mild fatigue
mild muscle aches and
a cough

A cold virus is spread to others through the air by sneezing or coughing, by direct contact like shaking hands and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth, and by handling an object held by someone with a cold. Getting a chill does not cause a cold. Factors that make a person more susceptible to catching a cold are excessive fatigue, emotional distress, allergies involving nose and throat symptoms, and the middle phase of the menstrual cycle.

There are no medicines that cure the common cold. Antibiotics are ineffective in treating colds. Taking unnecessary antibiotics may contribute to the development of resistant bacteria. There are some things that can be done to relieve the symptoms including:

get plenty of rest
stop smoking
eat a balanced diet
drink extra fluids such as water, fruit juice, tea, and carbonated beverages
use a humidifier to increase air moisture, especially in the bedroom
use non-prescription medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
use nose drops or sprays to relieve nasal congestion, but no longer than 3 days and
use cough syrups, cough drops, throat lozenges, or lemon water with honey

Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants). Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen. Check with a healthcare provider before taking any additional drugs or if already taking either prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Seek medical care if cold symptoms continue longer than 2 weeks, if the symptoms become more severe, or other symptoms develop, such as ear pain or facial pain. These could be signs of other medical problems.

To prevent the spread of colds:

use tissues to cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing and discard right away
wash hands often, especially before handling food, or after blowing the nose and
avoid sharing food or eating utensils with others

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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