With an estimated 1 billion cases of the common cold in the United States each year, it is important to know how the common cold is spread, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, or NIAID. According to MayoClinic.com, the common cold is an upper-respiratory infection that could be any of roughly 200 different viruses. Kids are more prone to catching a cold, about 10 a year, while adults catch around two to four annually. Knowing how the common cold is spread will help prevent the spread of the viruses.
Transmission
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, or CCOHS, the common cold is highly contagious and requires close and intimate contact for an extended period of time for it to be transmitted. The virus must be able to enter the body through the nose or mouth to infect a person. A cold virus can live outside the body for a few hours. If someone doesn't wash his hands, then eats food, the virus can enter the body through the action of eating with an infected hand.
Symptoms
The symptoms of the common cold can include a low-grade fever, body chills, nasal discharge, headaches, sneezing, coughing, fatigue and a sore throat, according to MayoClinic.com. Symptoms begin in a mild form and progressively increase over a few days. Symptoms of the common cold do not typically last for more than seven days. If they do last longer than a week, seek medical care.
Prevention
The NIAID says preventing the spread of the common cold begins with avoidance. Do not interact with people who have symptoms of the common cold. Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the common cold virus. Washing the hands with hot water and soap kills any virus on the hands and prevents the virus from entering the body. When soap and water are not available, use antibacterial hand sanitizers.
Misconceptions
According to CCOHS, the common cold is not acquired by exposure to cold weather. It is a misconception that the cold is caught specifically during winter months because of cold weather. Cold, dry air can cause nasal congestion because the sinuses become irritated and inflamed, but the cold virus is not involved with this symptom.
Child Care
MayoClinic.com advises parents to choose a child-care center carefully. Children are more prone to catching a cold. When placed around other children consistently, a child's chances of acquiring a cold are higher than those of a child who isn't around children. The child care center should have policies in place for good hygiene and sanitizing.
