COPD Action Plan
The COPD Action Plan helps you recognise when your symptoms change and what action you should take. It is essential that you plan it with…
View moreColds have many other names such as upper respiratory tract infection. Other names simply refer to that part of the body affected such as the eyes (conjunctivitis), nose (rhinitis), sinuses (sinusitis), throat (pharyngitis), voice box or larynx (laryngitis) and the air tubes (bronchitis).
Certain respiratory viruses circulate within the community at certain times of the year. Rhinovirus is a particularly common virus causing the vast majority of colds. In children, it may cause croup, whereas in adults, it can cause a troublesome illness dominated by cough. Other viruses circulate in the community in spring and autumn. Whilst they usually cause mild common cold symptoms, they can progress to more severe illness and problems involving the lungs.
Cold symptoms usually appear from one to four days after the virus enters the body. The cold can be spread to others even before any symptoms appear. Symptoms usually begin with an itchy or sore throat. This is followed by a stuffy blocked nose, sneezing and watery eyes. Within two days, other symptoms may develop including a runny nose, husky voice, muscle aches and pains and headache. Fever occurs in children but is rare in adults. Symptoms then gradually improve.
Keep your distance from people who have colds, especially if they cough or sneeze. Cover your own coughs and sneezes with a disposable paper tissue. A healthy lifestyle and diet, not smoking and exercise will all help. Make sure to practice good hand hygiene to minimise the spread of germs.