The Common Cold
Created by VSU Student Health Center
The Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection of the
upper respiratory tract
Usually last approximately 7 days
Associated with a number of viruses
– Ex. Rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses
Season of the year, age, and prior exposure
are important factors in the type of virus
causing the infection and the type of
symptoms that may occur
Common Cold Statistics
Adults have 2-4 colds per year
Children may have up to 10 colds per year
How does it spread?
Very contagious
Spread from person to person
Usually from nasal secretions and from
fingers of the affected person
Most contagious in the first 3 days after
symptoms begin
Viruses can last up to 5 hours on the skin
and hard surfaces
Preventing spread of
GOOD HANDWASHING!
Cough and sneeze into arm or tissue, not
into your hand
Aerosol sprays (ex. Lysol)
Antibacterial sanitizers (ex. Purell)
Symptoms
Begins with a feeling of dryness and
stuffiness in the nasopharynx (nose)
Nasal secretions (usually clear and watery)
Watery eyes
Red and swollen nasal mucous membranes
Headache
Generalized tiredness
Chills (in severe cases)
Symptoms cont..
Fever (in severe cases)
Exhaustion (in severe cases)
If the pharynx and larynx (throat) becomes
involved:
• Sore throat
• Hoarseness
Treatment of common cold
Antihistamines
Decongestants
Pain Relievers
Cough suppressants
Nasal Strips
Antibiotics are ineffective!!!
When do I see the doctor?
See your doctor if you have:
Temperature over 101 degrees for more
than 48 hours
A cough with pain in the chest
Shortness of breath
Persistent sore throat, without a runny or
stuffy nose
See the doctor if…
Your throat is very red and it hurts to
swallow
No improvement within 7 days
Severe headache with a fever
Worsening pain in one or both ears
Any chronic medical condition
– Ex. Asthma or diabetes
Source
Cooley, B. & McNeely, M. (1996). ETR
Associates. Santa Cruz, CA. www.etr.org.