5 Things You Need to Know About the Common Cold

1. What Causes a Cold?

Colds are one of the most common illnesses in the United States. They are caused by multiple viruses, the largest group is known as rhinoviruses, which contain over a 100 strains. Colds are more common in the winter months but occur year round.

2. How Does a Cold Spread from Person to Person?

The common cold is spread by direct person to person contact or person to object contact. The cold virus can last several hours on an inanimate object, and can be spread through droplets from a cough or sneeze. When a person comes into contact with a virus and then touches his eyes, nose or mouth they can become infected. Colds are not caused by being in a cold environment or going outside with wet hair.

3. What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Cold?

The signs and symptoms of a cold include nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, runny nose and sore throat. Most cold symptoms will last three to seven days and will resolve on their own. However, individuals who have a compromised immune system (for example, those with diabetes, asthma, cancer, HIV or who are taking immune-suppressing medications) will be at a higher risk for complications such as pneumonia or sinusitis. These complications typically involve a secondary bacterial infection and require treatment with antibiotics.

4. What Is the Treatment for a Cold?

Since there is no cure for the common cold, treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms. Over the counter medications are usually sufficient to manage the symptoms, but if they continue to worsen after a week to 10 days you should seek medical attention. Antibiotics are not used to treat colds because they are only useful in treating illnesses caused by bacteria not viruses. However, if you have shortness of breath, severe head or neck pain, coughing up blood, fever, inability to remain hydrated, chest pain or any other serious symptoms seek medical attention immediately.

5. How Can I Prevent a Cold?

Being vigilant is the key to the prevention of spreading cold viruses. Hand washing is the easiest and most important aspect of prevention. Persons should wash their hands for 15-30 seconds, which is the equivalent of singing the ABCs. If you have a cold it is important to cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands frequently to help prevent spreading the virus.