The Common Cold: Causes, Symptoms and Care

The common cold is a mild infection of the upper respiratory tract — the nose and throat. It is probably the most common illness: adults average 2–3 colds a year, and children have even more. Colds are most common in winter and spring but can happen any time.

Causes and spread

More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold; rhinoviruses are the most common. They are very contagious, spreading:

• through the air and close personal contact;
• from surfaces — for example, shaking hands with someone who has a cold, or touching a doorknob with the germs on it, and then touching your eyes, mouth or nose.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin a few days after infection:

• sneezing;
• stuffy nose (congestion) and runny nose;
• sore throat;
• coughing;
• headache.

Some can last 10–14 days, but most people feel better after a week or two.

Treatment

There is no cure, but these can help while the cold runs its course:

• plenty of rest and fluids;
• a clean humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer;
• gargling with warm salt water;
• saline nose drops or sprays;
• over-the-counter pain relievers or cold and cough medicines.

Take care with medicines:

• Children and teens should not take aspirin.
• Some cold and cough medicines contain ingredients not recommended for children; talk with your child's health care provider first.
• Some cold and cough medicines already contain a pain reliever. Taking a separate pain reliever as well could give you a dangerous amount. Read labels, follow instructions, and ask a provider or pharmacist if unsure.
• Antibiotics won't help. They treat bacterial infections, and colds are caused by viruses.

When to call a provider

Some people with a cold go on to develop illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia, more often those with weakened immune systems, asthma or other respiratory conditions. Contact a provider about worrying symptoms in you or your child, such as:

• trouble breathing or fast breathing;
• dehydration;
• fever lasting more than 4 days;
• symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement;
• symptoms such as fever or cough that improve and then return or worsen;
• a chronic medical condition getting worse.

Prevention

There is no vaccine against colds, but you can lower the risk of catching or spreading one:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Don't touch your face, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact — kissing, shaking hands, sharing cups and utensils — when you or others are sick.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces you touch often.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, throw it away, and wash your hands.
• Stay home when sick.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: "Common Cold," with information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.