What is a Common Cold?
It is an infection of the upper respiratory tract – the nose, nasal passages and the throat. The primary family of viruses that cause common colds in adults are the rhinoviruses.
Early signs of a cold are red eyes, a sore throat, sneezing, and a runny nose. Other symptoms that may occur include headache, stuffy nose, watering eyes, hacking cough, chills, muscle aches, and general malaise (ill-feeling) lasting from 2 to 7 days, some cases may last for two weeks.
The common cold may be accompanied by:
• Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx or “voice box”)
• Tracheitis (inflammation of the membrane lining the trachea or “wind pipe”)
• Bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial membranes)
• Ear infection
• Worsening of asthma
These inflammations may make one more susceptible to more serious complications such as: sinusitis (inflammation of sinus membranes) and pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs).
Treating the symptoms with non-prescription medicines may help as does getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated.
Good health habits are important in preventing the spread of the common cold including:
• Frequent hand washing with soap and water
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available
• Avoiding close contact with people that are sick
• Coughing and sneezing into your elbow or use a tissue (throw away the tissue immediately, and wash your hands)
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Using good hygiene practices, such as cleaning and disinfecting surfaces likely to be contaminated and touched by others