Common Cold

The common cold is a mild viral infection that mainly affects the nose and throat. More than 200 different viruses can cause it, although rhinoviruses are the most frequent. The virus spreads through tiny droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Typical symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a sore throat, coughing, mild headache, and fatigue. Some people also develop a slight fever, especially young children. Symptoms usually appear one to three days after infection and improve on their own within about a week to ten days, although the cough may last a little longer.

Because the common cold is caused by viruses, antibiotics are not effective unless a bacterial infection develops as a separate complication. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms with rest, adequate fluids, and medicines such as pain relievers or fever reducers when needed. Saline nasal sprays or rinses can also help reduce nasal congestion.

Washing hands regularly, avoiding close contact with people who are ill, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing help reduce the spread of cold viruses. Although most colds are harmless, medical advice should be sought if symptoms are severe, last unusually long, or are accompanied by difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, or signs of dehydration.