What is the common cold?
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. As the name suggests, it’s the most common contagious disease. It’s also the most common reason to visit a doctor or take days off from school or work.
Colds are caused by viruses that spread through coughs, sneezes and hand-to-hand contact after touching infected noses and eyes. Over 100 different viruses can cause a cold, and there is usually more than one going around a community at the same time. Rhinovirus is the most common virus that causes a cold.
Can a cold be dangerous?
Most colds clear up within a week or two. But sometimes, colds can lead to other infections in the ears, sinuses, airways or lungs. People with lung diseases like asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis are at higher risk of complications.
Who is most at risk?
Anyone can get a cold. Young children get them often (5-10 per year). Cold weather itself doesn’t cause colds, but they do spread more easily indoors during colder months. Fatigue, poor health, some air pollutants and stress can also increase your risk. Smoking makes symptoms worse.
Symptoms
Cold symptoms usually appear 1-4 days after the virus enters your body. You can spread a cold even before you have symptoms. Symptoms often start with an itchy or sore throat, followed by a stuffy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Within two days, you might get a runny nose, husky voice, muscle aches and a headache. Children may get a fever, but adults usually don’t. Symptoms will slowly get better over time.
Prevention
- Stay away from people with colds
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue
- Live a healthy lifestyle, don’t smoke and get regular exercise
- Wash your hands often.
Treatment
There’s no cure for the common cold. It’s your body that needs to heal itself. Plenty of rest, fluids and healthy meals can help you heal and feel better.
Antibiotics don’t work on viruses, so they won’t work for a cold. If your nose is blocked up, antihistamines and decongestant nasal sprays might help but should only be used for a short while. Paracetamol can also help with aches, pain and fever. Throat lozenges with eucalyptus or menthol can soothe a sore throat.
If you have asthma or COPD and your symptoms get worse, see your doctor right away. Ask them about an Action Plan to plan for your next cold.
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