An overview of Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratorytract). It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Many types ofviruses can cause a common cold.

Healthy adults can expect to have two or three colds each year. Infants and youngchildren may have even more frequent colds.

A cold is caused by any one of several viruses that causes inflammation of themembranes that line the nose and throat. It can result from any one of more than 200different viruses. But, the rhinoviruses causes most colds.

The common cold is very easily spread to others. It's often spread through airbornedroplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by the sick person. The dropletsare then inhaled by another person. Colds can also be spread when a sick persontouches you or a surface (like a doorknob) that you then touch.

Contrary to popular belief, cold weather or being chilled doesn't cause a cold.However, more colds do occur during the cold season (early fall to late winter).

Symptoms of a common cold usually appear one to three days after exposure to acold-causing virus. Signs and symptoms, which can vary from person to person, mightinclude:

1. Runny or stuffy nose

2. Sore throat

3. Cough

4. Congestion

5. Slight body aches or a mild headache

6. Sneezing

7. Low-grade fever

8. Generally feeling unwell

The discharge from your nose may start out clear and become thicker and yellow orgreen as a common cold runs its course. This doesn't usually mean you have abacterial infection.

There are several steps you can take to prevent a cold, including:

Washing your hands : Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating orpreparing food. Also, wash your hands after using the bathroom, wiping your nose orcoming into contact with someone who has a cold.

Avoiding touching your face : Cold viruses spread from your hands to youreyes, nose and mouth.

Cleaning frequently used surfaces : Viruses can live on doorknobs and otherplaces people often touch.

Using hand sanitizers : When you can’t wash your hands with soap and water,use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Strengthening your immune system : Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet andexercise so your body is ready to fight off germs.

Staying home : To make sure you don’t spread the cold to others, stay homewhen you’re sick.

Most common colds are diagnosed based on reported symptoms. However, cold symptomsmay be similar to certain bacterial infections, allergies, and other medicalconditions. Always consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis if your symptomsare severe.

Here are some tips:

1. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

2. Get plenty of rest.

3. Use over-the-counter medications to manage pain and discomfort.

4. Inhale steam, which may help relieve nasal congestion.

5. Gargle saltwater for a sore throat.

People use various natural remedies for colds. Some, such as drinking warm lemon andhoney, may provide relief. However, not all of them have scientific evidence thatconfirms that they are useful.

Over-the-counter remedies for a cold are available at drugstores, in pharmacies, andonline.

If people develop complications, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medication orantibiotics, depending on the type of complication.