Common Cold
What is the common cold?
The common cold is an illness affecting the nose and throat that leads to more healthcare provider visits and absences from school and work than any other illness each year.
What causes the common cold?
A cold is caused by any one of several viruses that cause inflammation of the membranes that line the nose and throat. Rhinoviruses cause most colds, but a cold can come from any one of more than 200 different viruses.
The common cold is very easily spread to others. According to Jane Kong MD, Family Medicine physician at PIH Health in Cerritos, “Colds often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by someone who is sick. The droplets are then inhaled by another person.” Colds can also be spread when a sick person touches you or a surface (like a doorknob) that you then touch.
Contrary to popular belief, cold weather or being chilled doesn't cause a cold. But more colds do occur during the cold season, between early fall to late winter. This is probably because of a variety of factors, including:
- Schools are in session, increasing the risk for exposure to the virus
- People stay indoors and are in closer contact with each other.
- The air during cold season has low humidity. This causes dry nasal passages, which are more susceptible to cold viruses.
What are the symptoms of the common cold?
Common cold symptoms may include:
- Scratchy, tickly throat
- Stuffy, runny nose
- Mucus dripping down your throat (postnasal drip)
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Headache
- Low-grade fever
- Sore throat
- Mild hacking cough
- Achy muscles and bones
- Mild fatigue
- Chills
- Watery discharge from nose that thickens and turns yellow or green
Colds usually start 2 to 3 days after the virus enters the body. Symptoms last from several days to several weeks.
How is the common cold treated?
Currently, there is no medicine available to cure or shorten the length of the common cold. But the following are some treatments that may help to ease some symptoms:
- Over-the-counter cold medicines, such as decongestants and cough medicine
- Over-the-counter antihistamines. These are medicines that help dry up nasal secretions and suppress coughing
- Rest
- Drinking more fluids
- Pain relievers for headache or fever
- Gargling warm salt water for sore throat
- Petroleum jelly for raw, chapped skin around the nose and lips
- Warm steam for congestion
Because colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics don't work. Antibiotics only work to treat bacterial infections.
Don't give aspirin to a child who has a fever. Aspirin has been linked to Reye syndrome when given as treatment for viral illnesses in children. This is a potentially serious or deadly disorder in children.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
If your symptoms don't get better in a few days, or worsen with time, call your provider. You could have another type of infection.
Key points about the common cold
- A cold is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the membranes that line the nose and throat.
- The common cold is very easily spread to others. It's often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by a sick person. The droplets are then inhaled by another person.
- Symptoms may include a stuffy, runny nose, scratchy, tickly throat, sneezing, watery eyes, and a low-grade fever.
- Treatment to reduce symptoms includes getting rest and drinking plenty of fluids.
- Because colds are caused by viruses, treatment with antibiotics won't work.
- The best prevention for the common cold is frequent hand washing and staying away from people who have colds.
It is best to establish a relationship with a primary care physician in the event your cold requires medical attention. Visit our website to learn more about Dr. Kong or to make an appointment online.
