Common Cold

A common cold is a sickness that usually affects your nose and throat. It's typically not serious, but it can make you feel unwell. Tiny organisms called viruses are the cause.

Many adults get a cold two or three times a year. Babies and young children often get colds more frequently.

Most people feel better from a cold within 7 to 10 days. If you smoke, your symptoms might last longer. In most cases, you don't need to see a doctor for a common cold. However, if your symptoms don't improve or get worse, it's important to see your doctor.

Colds, along with other illnesses affecting the nose and throat, are examples of upper respiratory infections. These infections are caused by germs.

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The common cold usually appears 1 to 3 days after you're exposed to the virus. Symptoms can vary, but often include:

• Runny or stuffy nose: This is a common symptom.
• Sore or scratchy throat: A scratchy or painful throat is another typical sign.
• Cough: A cough is frequently present.
• Sneezing: Sneezing is a common way the body tries to get rid of the virus.
• Feeling unwell: You might just feel generally unwell or tired.
• Slight body aches or headache: Some people have mild aches or headaches.
• Low-grade fever: A slightly elevated temperature is possible. The mucus from your nose might change from clear to thicker and yellow or green. This is normal and usually isn't a sign of a bacterial infection.

When to see a doctor (adults):

Most adults don't need to see a doctor for a common cold. However, you should seek medical attention if:

• Symptoms get worse or don't improve: If your symptoms worsen or don't go away, it's important to see a doctor.
• Fever of 101.3°F (38.5°C) or higher lasting more than 3 days: A high fever that lasts a long time could be a sign of something more serious.
• Fever returns after a period without fever: If your fever comes back after you were feeling better, it's a cause for concern.
• Shortness of breath or wheezing: Difficulty breathing or wheezing can be serious.
• Severe sore throat, headache, or sinus pain: Very intense pain in these areas could indicate a more significant problem.

When to see a doctor (children):

Most children recover from a common cold without needing to see a doctor. However, seek immediate medical attention if your child shows any of these signs:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in newborns up to 12 weeks old: This is a serious concern for infants.
• Rising fever or fever lasting more than 2 days in children of any age: A fever that's increasing or lasting a long time needs evaluation.
• More intense symptoms: A headache, sore throat, or cough that's unusually severe.
• Breathing problems or wheezing: Difficulty breathing or wheezing requires immediate medical attention.
• Ear pain: Ear pain in a child is a significant concern.
• Unusual fussiness or drowsiness: If your child is unusually tired or irritable, it warrants attention.
• Loss of appetite: If your child isn't interested in eating, it could be a sign of a more serious issue.

When to See a Doctor for a Cold

Most adults and children don't need a doctor visit for a common cold. It usually goes away on its own. However, there are times when you should seek medical attention.

For Adults:

• If your cold symptoms get worse or don't improve: This could mean the cold is developing into something more serious.
• If you have a fever above 101.3°F (38.5°C) that lasts longer than three days: A persistent high fever can signal a more serious infection.
• If your fever returns after a period of being fever-free: This could indicate a secondary infection.
• If you have trouble breathing: Shortness of breath or wheezing is a sign that you may need medical help right away.
• If you have severe pain: Intense sore throats, headaches, or sinus pain could be related to something other than a simple cold.

For Children:

• If a newborn (under 12 weeks old) has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C): A fever in a very young infant requires prompt medical attention.
• If a child of any age has a rising fever or a fever lasting more than two days: A fever that escalates or lasts a long time warrants a visit to the doctor.
• If your child's symptoms are more intense: Headaches, painful throats, or severe coughs in children could indicate a more serious issue.
• If your child has trouble breathing or wheezing: Difficulty breathing is a serious concern and requires immediate medical evaluation.
• If your child has ear pain: Ear pain in children can be a sign of an infection.
• If your child is unusually fussy, sleepy, or not eating: These changes in behaviour could be a sign that something is wrong. A child who isn't interested in food might be in pain or unwell.

Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. If you have concerns about your child's or your own health, always consult a healthcare professional. They can properly diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.

Colds are often caused by viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most frequent culprits.

Colds happen when a virus gets into your body. This usually happens when the virus enters through your mouth, eyes, or nose. There are several ways the cold virus spreads:

• Airborne droplets: When someone with a cold coughs, sneezes, or even talks, tiny droplets containing the virus can float in the air. If you breathe these droplets in, you can get sick.

• Touching: If you touch someone with a cold, or something they've touched, the virus can spread to you. This includes shaking hands, touching shared surfaces, or playing with toys.

• Shared items: Sharing things like dishes, towels, toys, or phones can also spread the virus. The virus can live on these surfaces for a while.

• Touching your face: If you touch something contaminated with the cold virus, and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, you risk getting infected. This is why handwashing is so important.

Several things can make you more likely to catch a cold.

• Your age: Babies and young children are more vulnerable to colds than older kids and adults, particularly if they're in daycare or preschool. Their immune systems are still developing, and they're more exposed to germs in these settings.

• A weakened immune system: If you have a chronic health condition or your immune system is compromised in some way, you're more susceptible to colds. This is because your body's natural defenses against infection aren't as strong. For example, people with conditions like diabetes or HIV, or those taking medications that suppress the immune system, are at higher risk.

• The time of year: Colds are more common in the fall and winter months. This is partly because people spend more time indoors, in close proximity to each other, which allows germs to spread more easily. Also, the colder temperatures might affect the body's ability to fight off infections.

• Smoking: If you smoke, or if you're regularly exposed to secondhand smoke, you're more likely to get a cold. Smoking damages the lining of your nose and throat, making it harder for your body to fight off viruses.

• Being in close contact with others: Spending time in crowded places, like schools, workplaces, or airplanes, increases your risk of catching a cold. This is because you're more likely to come into contact with people who are already carrying cold viruses. Close contact, like sharing utensils or touching surfaces that other people have touched, also increases transmission.

A common cold can sometimes be followed by other health problems. Here are a few possibilities:

• Ear Infections: A cold can sometimes lead to fluid buildup behind the eardrum. This is called a middle ear infection. This fluid buildup can be caused by a virus or bacteria. Symptoms often include ear pain and sometimes a fever coming back after the initial cold symptoms.

• Asthma Flare-ups: Even if you don't have asthma, a cold can sometimes cause wheezing. For people who do have asthma, a cold can make their asthma symptoms worse. This happens because the cold can irritate the airways, making it harder to breathe.

• Sinus Infections (Sinusitis): If a cold lingers for a while, it can sometimes lead to swelling and discomfort in your sinuses. Sinuses are air pockets in your skull around your nose and eyes. A virus or bacteria can cause this swelling, leading to a sinus infection. You might feel pain or pressure around your eyes or forehead.

• Lung Problems: In some cases, a cold can lead to other illnesses affecting the lungs, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. People with asthma or weakened immune systems are more likely to develop these lung problems after a cold. This is because their bodies might have a harder time fighting off the infection.

The common cold doesn't have a vaccine, but you can take steps to stop it from spreading and keep yourself healthy.

Stopping the Spread:

• Wash your hands: Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is crucial. If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Make handwashing a habit for you and your children. Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth) with unwashed hands. Regular handwashing, especially before eating and after using the restroom, is key.

• Clean and disinfect: Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces that many people touch, like doorknobs, light switches, phones, and kitchen and bathroom counters. This is especially important if someone in your home has a cold. Also, remember to regularly clean toys, especially children's toys.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes: Sneeze or cough into a tissue and immediately throw the tissue away. Then, wash your hands. If you don't have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose with the bend of your elbow, and wash your hands immediately afterward. This simple act can prevent the spread of germs.

• Don't share: Avoid sharing personal items like cups, utensils, or eating tools with others.

• Isolate when possible: If someone in your household has a cold, try to limit contact with them as much as possible. Stay away from crowded places to reduce your exposure to germs. Even when around others, avoid touching your face.

• Check child care policies: If your child attends a daycare or preschool, talk to the staff about their policies for keeping sick children home. Look for centers with strong hygiene practices.

• Maintain good health: A healthy lifestyle helps your body fight off illness. Eat nutritious foods, get regular exercise, and make sure you're getting enough sleep. A strong immune system is your first line of defense.

These steps can significantly decrease the chances of catching or spreading the common cold.

Colds are usually not serious enough to need medical attention. If your cold symptoms get worse, like if your cough gets very bad, or if they don't go away after a week or so, it's a good idea to see a doctor.

Doctors can often diagnose a cold just by asking about your symptoms and checking you over. Sometimes, to be extra sure and rule out other illnesses, they might take a quick sample from your nose or throat. In some cases, an X-ray of your chest might be done to make sure there's no problem with your lungs.

It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against illnesses. They can help you create a personalized plan that's right for you.