Cold, Cough & Flu Care

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Overview of the Common Cold

Headaches, a runny nose, an itchy throat — do those complaints ring a bell? If so, a common cold may be the culprit. Let’s take a closer look.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cold symptoms typically include a sore throat, runny nose, coughing and sneezing. Most people feel back to normal within 7-10 days. Washing your hands often, steering clear of people who are sick, and keeping unwashed fingers away from your face are all recommended ways to lower your risk of catching a cold.

The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat that affects a large number of people. Even when it feels miserable, it is almost always harmless over the long term. Colds tend to hit hardest during “cold season,” which runs from September through April, thanks to cooler weather and children being in school and in close contact with a wide range of germs.

In most cases, a common cold does not call for medical care. If your symptoms get worse, however, you should see a provider.

Signs and Symptoms

Cold symptoms generally show up one to three days after you are exposed to the virus. Below are examples of the signs and symptoms, which can differ from one person to the next:

• Runny or stuffy nose, or both. Colds, allergies, sinus infections and the flu are all known to bring on a runny or stuffy nose. When mucus production ramps up, the nose starts to run.

• A scratchy throat. Throat inflammation that feels worse when you swallow shows up as pain, scratchiness or irritation in the throat.

• Cough. Coughing typically occurs when something irritates your throat or airways, and it is your body’s natural reflex.

• Congestion. A stuffy, blocked feeling in the nasal or respiratory passages.

• A mild headache may occur. One symptom of this condition is an aching, squeezing or band-like pain on both sides of the head, usually above the brow line.

• Sneezing. Sneezing happens when the mucous membranes of the nose and throat become irritated. It can be a nuisance, but it is rarely a sign of something more serious that needs medical care.

When It’s Time to See a Doctor

For Adults. A common cold usually does not require medical care. If you notice any of the following symptoms, though, you should see a provider:

• Sore throat, headache, or severe sinus pain are all possible symptoms.
• Difficulties with breathing
• When there has been no fever for a period, the fever will return.
• Fever of more than three days, with a temperature of more than 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit (38.5 °C).
• Symptoms that don’t get better.

For Children. A common cold may not mean your child needs to see a doctor. If your child shows any of the following symptoms, however, seek medical care right away:

• A decrease in appetite
• Unusual drowsiness
• A lot of fuss
• Ear experience pain
• Breathing difficulties
• A severe sore throat, headache, or sinus pain
• In a child of any age who has a rising fever or a fever that lasts longer than two days
• Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 °C) in newborns up to 12 weeks of age

What Causes a Cold

Although several different viruses can trigger a common cold, rhinoviruses are the most frequent culprit.

The virus behind a cold enters your body through your mouth, eyes or nose. When a sick person coughs, sneezes or talks, virus-laden droplets travel through the air, so the virus can spread that way.

It can also spread when you share contaminated items with someone who has a cold, such as kitchen utensils, towels or telephones. Touching your eyes, mouth or nose after coming into contact with a cold virus raises your chances of getting sick.

How to Prevent a Cold

• Please wash your hands. Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands. Teach your children how important handwashing is. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands unless it’s necessary.
• Disinfect your items. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, electronics, and kitchen and bathroom countertops at least once a day to help stop germs from spreading. This matters even more when someone in your household has a cold. Children’s toys should also be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis.
• Cover your cough with your hand. Coughing and sneezing into tissues is recommended. Throw used tissues away as soon as you can, and wash your hands thoroughly. If no tissue is handy, sneeze or cough into the bend of your elbow, then wash your hands well.
• Don’t share. When you or someone else has a cold, drink from your own glass or use disposable cups instead.
• Keep your distance from anyone who has a cold. If you have a cold, stay away from others who are sick. Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Make sure you look after yourself. A healthy diet, regular exercise and enough sleep all support your overall health and well-being.