You get a cold from a virus that infects your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). Despite how it feels, it is usually harmless. Colds can be caused by many types of viruses.
Colds usually occur twice or three times a year in healthy adults. Children and infants may experience colds more frequently.
In most cases, a cold will disappear within a week or ten days. Smokers may experience symptoms for a longer period of time. It is generally not necessary to seek medical attention when you have a common cold. However, if symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, see a doctor.
Symptoms
After exposure to a cold-causing virus, symptoms usually appear one to three days later. Individuals may experience different signs and symptoms, such as:
- Nose congestion or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Sneezing & Cough?
- Body aches or mild headaches
- Low-grade fever
- A general feeling of unwellness
During the course of a common cold, your nose discharge may initially be clear, then become thicker, yellowish, or green. In most cases, this does not indicate a bacterial infection.
When to see a Doctor?
For adults:?A common cold is usually not a medical emergency for adults.?If you have any of the following symptoms, however, seek medical attention:
- A worsening or non-improvement of symptoms
- Fever lasting longer than three days at 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit (38.5 degrees Celsius)
- Recurrence of fever after a period of no fever
- A feeling of shortness of breathreath
- Wheezing
- Headache, sore throat, or sinusitis
For infants:?Children who have a common cold don't need to see their doctor in general.?However, if your child suffers from any of the following conditions, seek medical attention immediately:
- Symptoms of fever in newborns up to 12 weeks old: 100.4 F (38 C)
- Symptoms of fever in children of any age that persist for more than two days
- Symptoms such as headaches, throat pain, or coughing
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Intense ear pain
- Excessive fussiness
- Symptoms of unusual sleepiness
- Appetite loss
Causes
- The most common cause of a common cold is rhinoviruses, although many different types of viruses can cause colds.
- A cold virus enters your body primarily through your mouth, eyes, or nose. Viruses can spread through droplets in the air when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks sick.
- The disease can also be spread from person to person or by sharing contaminated objects, such as utensils, towels, toys, and telephones. Your nose, mouth, and eyes are likely to catch a cold if you touch them after such contact.
Prevention
Cold viruses cannot be vaccinated, but you can slow their spread by taking these commonsense precautions:
- Wash your hands:?It is important to wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. Hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol are a good alternative if soap and water aren't available. Make handwashing a habit for your children. Unwashed hands should never be used to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Disinfect your stuff:?Make sure that high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and electronics, are cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. The importance of this becomes even more evident when a member of the family is suffering from a cold. Ensure that children's toys are washed periodically.
- Cover your cough:?Tissues should be used for sneezing and coughing. Immediately dispose of used tissues, then wash your hands thoroughly. When you don't have a tissue handy, sneeze or cough into the bend of your elbow and wash your hands later.
- Don't share:?You shouldn't share utensils or drinking glasses with others in the family. If you or someone else is sick, use your own glass or disposable cup. You should label the glass or cup with the name of the person who will be using it.
- Stay away from people with colds:?If you have a cold, stay away from anyone close to you. Whenever possible, stay away from crowds. Make sure you don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Review your child care center's policies:?Choose a child care facility that adheres to good hygiene practices and has clear policies regarding keeping sick children at home.
- Take care of yourself: You can improve your overall health by eating well, exercising, and sleeping enough.
