Common Cold

The common cold is a contagious disease that is caused by different types of viruses. Viral upper respiratory tract infection is what a doctor would probably call it. The common cold affects various parts of the respiratory tract such as the nose, throat, larynx, trachea, paranasal sinuses, and bronchial tubes. The virus can be transmitted through droplets dispersed into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread by direct contact with the secretions of the patient. As a number of viruses could be responsible for development of the common cold, it is difficult for the body to get immune to all of them. Besides, these viruses are known to mutate easily too. This is why the common cold recurs and is one of the commonest illnesses. On an average, a normal person can have 7 to 12 colds per year. Mild colds last for 2 to 3 days whereas a severe cold may last for up to 2 weeks.

Symptoms of the common cold may last from 2 days to 2 weeks. A tickle in the throat, a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing are the primary symptoms of the disease. The discharge from the nose may vary from watery to thick yellow or green. In some cases, soreness of the throat may give rise to pain while swallowing. Thus, the common cold usually manifests as mild fever with a sore throat, blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, tiredness, mild earache, and a runny nose.

The common cold can be caused by over 200 different types of viruses. Rhinoviruses and coronaviruses are the two most common viral groups that cause the common cold. Infected people can transmit the virus by sneezing, coughing, or even speaking. Smokers are more prone to catch common colds as compared to non-smokers. The infection can also spread when one touches one’s eyes or nose after having touched infected objects or surfaces.

There is no specific treatment for the common cold but its symptoms can be relieved by medications. Antibiotics should be avoided as they are of use only against bacteria, and the common cold is caused by viruses. Medicines are prescribed to relieve symptoms such as muscle pain, headache, and fever. The condition can easily be treated by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, taking complete rest and avoiding strenuous activity, making yourself comfortable and surrounding yourself by fresh air, avoiding active as well as passive smoking, gargling with warm salt water, chewing on cough drops or using throat sprays, and taking a warm bath or apply a heating pad to relieve aches and pains. Anti-inflammatory analgesics can be taken to reduce fever and pain. Syrups and suspensions of the same can be used in the case of children.

There is no specific vaccination for common cold as it can be caused by a number of different viruses. The following measures can help to prevent the disease. Wash your hands carefully after touching your mouth or nose, especially before your meals. Use a handkerchief while sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of the infection and wash your hands immediately afterwards. Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or cutlery. Stay away from smokers and infected people.

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