Common cold

We have selected the following expert medical opinion based on its clarity, reliability and accuracy. Credits: Sourced from the Mayo Clinic, Minnesota. Please refer to your own medical practitioner for a final perspective, assessment or evaluation.

Overview

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

Children younger than six are at greatest risk of colds, but healthy adults can also expect to have two or three colds annually.

Most people recover from a common cold in a week or 10 days. Symptoms might last longer in people who smoke. If symptoms don't improve, see your doctor.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a common cold usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus.

Signs and symptoms, which can vary from person to person, might include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Congestion
• Slight body aches or a mild headache
• Sneezing
• Low-grade fever
• Generally feeling unwell (malaise)

The discharge from your nose may become thicker and yellow or green in color as a common cold runs its course. This isn't an indication of a bacterial infection.

When to see a doctor

For adults — seek medical attention if you have:

• Fever greater than 38.5 C (101.3 F)
• Fever lasting five days or more or returning after a fever-free period
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Severe sore throat, headache or sinus pain

For children — in general, your child doesn't need to see the doctor for a common cold.

But seek medical attention right away if your child has any of the following:

• Fever of 38 C (100.4 F) in newborns up to 12 weeks
• Rising fever or fever lasting more than two days in a child of any age
• Symptoms that worsen or fail to improve
• Severe symptoms, such as headache or cough
• Wheezing
• Ear pain
• Extreme fussiness
• Unusual drowsiness
• Lack of appetite

Causes

Although many types of viruses can cause a common cold, rhinoviruses are the most common culprit.

A cold virus enters your body through your mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks.

It also spreads by hand-to-hand contact with someone who has a cold or by sharing contaminated objects, such as utensils, towels, toys or telephones. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after such contact or exposure, you're likely to catch a cold.

Risk factors

These factors can increase your chances of getting a cold:

Age: Children younger than six are at greatest risk of colds, especially if they spend time in child-care settings.

Weakened immune system: Having a chronic illness or otherwise weakened immune system increases your risk.

Time of year: Both children and adults are more susceptible to colds in fall and winter, but you can get a cold any time.

Smoking: You're more likely to catch a cold and to have more severe colds if you smoke.

Exposure: If you're around many people, such as at school or on an airplane, you're likely to be exposed to viruses that cause colds.

Complications

Acute ear infection (otitis media): This occurs when bacteria or viruses enter the space behind the eardrum. Typical signs and symptoms include earaches and, in some cases, a green or yellow discharge from the nose or the return of a fever following a common cold.

Asthma: A cold can trigger an asthma attack.

Acute sinusitis: In adults or children, a common cold that doesn't resolve can lead to inflammation and infection of the sinuses (sinusitis).

Other secondary infections: These include strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis), pneumonia, and croup or bronchiolitis in children. These infections need to be treated by a doctor.

Prevention

There's no vaccine for the common cold, but you can take common-sense precautions to slow the spread of cold viruses:

Wash your hands: Clean your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water, and teach your children the importance of hand-washing. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Disinfect your stuff: Clean kitchen and bathroom countertops with disinfectant, especially when someone in your family has a cold. Wash children's toys periodically.

Use tissues: Sneeze and cough into tissues. Discard used tissues right away, then wash your hands carefully.

Teach children to sneeze or cough into the bend of their elbow when they don't have a tissue. That way they cover their mouths without using their hands.

Don't share: Don't share drinking glasses or utensils with other family members. Use your own glass or disposable cups when you or someone else is sick. Label the cup or glass with the name of the person with the cold.

Steer clear of colds: Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold.

Choose your child care center wisely: Look for a child care setting with good hygiene practices and clear policies about keeping sick children at home.

Take care of yourself: Eating well, getting exercise and enough sleep, and managing stress might help you keep colds at bay.

Diagnosis

Most people with a common cold can be diagnosed by their signs and symptoms. If your doctor suspects you have a bacterial infection or other condition, he or she may order a chest X-ray or other tests to exclude other causes of your symptoms.

Treatment

There's no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics are of no use against cold viruses and shouldn't be used unless there's a bacterial infection. Treatment is directed at relieving signs and symptoms.

Pros and cons of commonly used cold remedies include:

Pain relievers: For fever, sore throat and headache, many people turn to acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other mild pain relievers. Use acetaminophen for the shortest time possible and follow label directions to avoid side effects.

Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, in such children.

Consider giving your child over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications designed for infants or children. These include paracetamol / acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease symptoms.

Decongestant nasal sprays: Adults can use decongestant drops or sprays for up to five days. Prolonged use can cause rebound symptoms. Children younger than six should be cautious when using use decongestant drops or sprays.

Cough syrups: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends against giving OTC cough and cold medicines to children younger than age 4.

If you give cough or cold medicines to an older child, follow the label directions. Don't give your child two medicines with the same active ingredient, such as an antihistamine, decongestant or pain reliever. Too much of a single ingredient could lead to an accidental overdose.

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