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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Common Cold
What is the common cold?
The common cold is an infection of the head and chest caused
by a virus. It is a type of upper respiratory infection
(URI). It can affect your nose, throat, sinuses, and ears.
A cold can also affect the tube that connects your middle
ear and throat, and your windpipe, voice box, and airways.
How does it occur?
Viruses are germs that cause infections. Over 200 different
viruses can cause colds. The infection is spread when
viruses are passed to others by sneezing, coughing, or
personal contact. You may also become infected by handling
objects that were touched by someone with a cold.
You are more likely to get a cold if:
- You are emotionally or physically stressed.
- You are tired.
- You are not eating enough healthy food.
- You are a smoker.
- You are living or working in crowded conditions.
What are the symptoms?
You usually start having cold symptoms 1 to 3 days after
contact with a cold virus. Symptoms may include:
- scratchy or sore throat
- sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion
- cough
- watery eyes
- ear congestion
- slight fever (99 to 100°F, or 37.2 to 37.8°C)
- fatigue
- headache
- loss of appetite.
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and
examine you. There is no specific test for the common cold.
How is it treated?
There are no medicines that cure the common cold. You can
treat your symptoms with nonprescription medicines such as
aspirin, acetaminophen, nose drops or sprays, cough syrups
and drops, throat lozenges, and decongestants. Check with
your health care provider before you take any of these drugs
if you are already taking other medicines.
Do NOT give aspirin or aspirin-containing products to anyone
age 21 years or younger who has a cold or flu virus because
of the risk of a serious illness called Reye's syndrome.
How long do the effects last?
Colds usually last 1 to 2 weeks. Sometimes you may get a
bacterial infection after a cold.
How can I take care of myself?
- Get lots of rest.
- Drink lots of fluids, such as water, fruit juice, tea,
and carbonated beverages.
- Use a humidifier to increase air moisture, especially in
your bedroom.
- Use nose drops to relieve nasal congestion. You can buy
nose drops or make your own. To make a solution for nose
drops, add 1 teaspoon of salt to a quart of water.
Call your health care provider if you have any of the
following symptoms:
- worsening earache
- trouble breathing
- swollen, tender glands in your neck
- chest pain
- skin rash
- worsening sore throat
- white or yellow spots on your tonsils or throat
- a cough that gets worse or becomes painful
- temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher that lasts more
than 2 days
- shaking chills
- headache that lasts several days
- unusual tiredness
- mental confusion
- blue or gray lips, skin, or nails.
What can be done to help prevent the spread of colds?
The following suggestions may help prevent the spread of
your cold to others.
- Turn away from others and use tissues when you cough or
sneeze.
- Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your
nose.
- Wash your hands before touching food, dishes, glasses,
silverware, or napkins.
- Use paper cups and paper towels in bathrooms.
- Don't let your nose or mouth touch public telephones or
drinking fountains.
- Don't share food or eating utensils with others.
- Avoid close contact with others for the first 2 to 4
days.
To lower your risk of catching a cold:
- Avoid close contact with people who have a cold.
- Keep your hands away from your nose and mouth.
- Wash your hands often, especially after coming in contact
with someone who has a cold.
- Eat healthy foods, especially fruits with vitamin C, such
as oranges.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Do not smoke.
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