CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 General Background

Common cold is an illness caused by a tiny, living thing called a virus. More than

200 types lead to our misery, but the most common one is the rhinovirus, which

brings on 10% to 40% of colds. The corona-virus is responsible for about 20% of

cases, while the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and par influenza virus cause

10% of colds.

Colds cause a lot of people to stay home. The CDC says 22 million school days

are lost each year in the U.S. because of them. Some estimates say that

Americans have 1 billion colds a year.

Common cold, also known simply as a cold, is a viral infectious disease of the

upper respiratory tract that primarily affects the nose. Signs and symptoms may

begin less than two days following exposure. They include coughing, sore throat,

runny nose, sneezing, headache, and fever. People usually recover in seven to ten

days. Some symptoms may last up to three weeks. In those with other health

problems, pneumonia may occasionally develop.

Over 200 virus strains are implicated in the cause of the common cold; the

rhinoviruses are the most common. They spread through the air during close

contact with infected people and indirectly through contact with objects in the

environment followed by transfer to the mouth or nose. Risk factors include

going to daycare, not sleeping well, and psychological stress. Symptoms are

mostly due to the body's immune response to the infection rather than to tissue

destruction by the viruses themselves. People with influenza often show similar

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symptoms as people with a cold, though symptoms are usually more severe in the

former.

There is no vaccine for the common cold. The primary methods of prevention are

hand washing, not touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands; and

staying away from sick people. Some evidence supports the use of face masks.

No cure for the common cold exists, but the symptoms can be treated. Non-

steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may help with

pain. Antibiotics should not be used. Evidence does not support a benefit from

cough medicines.

The common cold is the most frequent infectious disease in humans. The average

adult gets two to four colds a year, while the average child may get six to eight.

They occur more commonly during the winter. These infections have been with

humanity since ancient times.

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1.2 Objectives of the Study

 To study how a Common Cold starts.

 To study about the symptoms of common Cold.

 To study about the causes of Common Cold.

 To study about the mode of transmission of Common Cold.

 To study about the medicines to use during Common Cold.

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1.3 How a Common Cold starts?

A cold usually begins with fatigue, a feeling of being chilled, sneezing, and a

headache, followed in a couple of days by a runny nose and cough. Symptoms

may begin within sixteen hours of exposure and typically peak two to four days

after onset. They usually resolve in seven to ten days, but some can last for up to

three weeks. The average duration of cough is eighteen days and in some cases

people develop a post-viral cough which can linger after the infection is gone. In

children, the cough lasts for more than ten days in 35%–40% of the cases and

continues for more than 25 days in 10%.

We can catch it from another person who is infected with the virus. This usually

happens if we touch a surface that has germs on it - a computer keyboard,

doorknob, or spoon, for example – if a person touches a surface that has germs

and then touch our nose or mouth. We can also catch it if we're near someone

who is sick and sneezes into the air.

A cold begins when a virus attaches to the lining of our nose or throat. Our

immune system - the body's defense against germs - sends out white blood cells

to attack this invader. Unless we've had a run-in with that exact strain of the virus

before, the initial attack fails and our body sends in reinforcements. Our nose and

throat get inflamed and make a lot of mucus. With so much of our energy

directed at fighting the cold virus, we're left feeling tired and miserable.

One myth that needs to get busted: Getting chilly or wet doesn't cause us to get

sick. But there are things that make us prone to come down with a cold. For

example, we're more likely to catch one if we're extremely tired, under emotional

distress, or have allergies with nose and throat symptoms.

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1.4 Symptoms of Common Cold

When a cold strikes, we may have symptoms like:

 Headache

 Scratchy or sore throat

 Sneezing

 Stuffy nose

 Watery nose

 Watery eyes

 Mucus draining from our nose into our throat

 Loss of taste and smell

More severe symptoms are:

 High fever

 Muscle aches

 Dry cough

 Joint pain

 Severe malaise (feeling unwell)

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1.5 Kids and Colds

Children have about 5-7 colds per year. A big part of the reason: They spend time

at school or in day care centers where they're in close contact with other kids

most of the day. And to top it off, their young immune systems aren't yet strong

enough to fight off colds.

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1.6 Causes of Common Cold

Viruses:

Corona viruses are a group of viruses known for causing the common cold.

They have a halo or crown-like (corona) appearance when viewed under an

electron microscope.

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The most

commonly implicated virus is a rhinovirus (30%–80%), a type of picorna-

virus with 99 known serotypes. Other commonly implicated viruses include

human corona-virus (≈15%), influenza viruses (10%–15%), adenoviruses

(5%), human respiratory syncytial virus, entero-viruses other than

rhinoviruses, and metapneumovirus. Frequently more than one virus is

present. In total over 200 different viral types are associated with colds.

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1.7 Mode of Transmission

The common cold virus is typically transmitted via airborne droplets (aerosols),

direct contact with infected nasal secretions, or fomites (contaminated objects).

Which of these routes is of primary importance has not been determined;

however, hand-to-hand and hand-to-surface-to-hand contact seems of more

importance than transmission via aerosols. The viruses may survive for prolonged

periods in the environment (over 18 hours for rhinoviruses) and can be picked up

by people's hands and subsequently carried to their eyes or nose where infection

occurs. Transmission is common in daycare and at school due to the proximity of

many children with little immunity and frequently poor hygiene. These infections

are then brought home to other members of the family. There is no evidence that

recirculated air during commercial flight is a method of transmission. People

sitting in close proximity appear to be at greater risk of infection.

Rhinovirus-caused colds are most infectious during the first three days of

symptoms; they are much less infectious afterwards.

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1.8 Preparing for cold season

The only useful ways to reduce the spread of cold viruses are physical measures

such as hand washing and face masks; in the healthcare environment, gowns and

disposable gloves are also used. Isolation or quarantine is not used as the disease

is so widespread and symptoms are non-specific. Vaccination has proved difficult

as there are many viruses involved and they mutate rapidly. Creation of a broadly

effective vaccine is, thus, highly improbable.

Regular hand washing appears to be effective in reducing the transmission of cold

viruses, especially among children. Whether the addition of antivirals or

antibacterial to normal hand washing provides greater benefit is unknown.

Wearing face masks when around people who are infected may be beneficial;

however, there is insufficient evidence for maintaining a greater social distance.

Zinc supplements may help to reduce the prevalence of colds. Routine vitamin C

supplements do not reduce the risk or severity of the common cold, though they

may reduce its duration. Gargling with water was found useful in one small trial.

Changes in humidity in different seasons may also affect how often people get

sick. The most common cold viruses survive better when it's low. Also, cold

weather may make the lining of your nose drier and more vulnerable to an

infection by a virus.

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1.9 When to call a Doctor?

Most colds last about 7 to 10 days, but if our symptoms linger, we may need to

call the doctor. Sometimes, colds lead to an infection by bacteria in our lungs,

sinuses, or ears. If that happens, our doctor may prescribe antibiotics, which work

against bacteria but not against viruses.

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1.10 Antibiotics and Antivirals

Antibiotics have no effect against viral infections or against the viruses that cause

the common cold. Due to their side effects, antibiotics cause overall harm but are

still frequently prescribed. Some of the reasons that antibiotics are so commonly

prescribed include people's expectations for them, physicians' desire to help, and

the difficulty in excluding complications that may be amenable to antibiotics.

There are no effective antiviral drugs for the common cold even though some

preliminary research has shown benefits.

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1.11 Alternate medicines

While there are many alternative treatments used for the common cold, there is

insufficient scientific evidence to support the use of most. As of 2014 there is

insufficient evidence to recommend for or against honey. As of 2015 there is

tentative evidence to support nasal irrigation. Zinc has been used to treat

symptoms, with studies suggesting that zinc, if taken within 24 hours of the onset

of symptoms, reduces the duration and severity of the common cold in otherwise

healthy people. Due to wide differences between the studies, further research may

be needed to determine how and when zinc may be effective. Whereas zinc

lozenges may produce side effects, there is only a weak rationale for physicians

to recommend zinc for the treatment of the common cold. Some zinc remedies

directly applied to the inside of the nose have led to the loss of the sense of smell.

Vitamin C's effect on the common cold, while extensively researched, is

disappointing, except in limited circumstances: specifically, individuals

exercising vigorously in cold environments. There is no firm evidence that

Echinacea products provide any meaningful benefit in treating or preventing

colds. It is unknown if garlic is effective. A single trial of vitamin D did not find

benefit.

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 CHAPTER 2: MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was made within the school friends, teachers, and community people.

Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Primary data were

collected through observations, interviews with family, and friends. The data

generated during interviews were reviewed through secondary literatures.

Secondary literatures were collected through various published and unpublished

articles, journals, internet, books, and media. Microsoft excel 2013 is used for

data interpretation and analysis.

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 CHAPTER 3: RESULTS

During the survey, a total of 257 people were involved. Among them 124 are

male and 133 are female. These people are divided into 7 different age groups for

the easy understanding and analysis of the data of people suffering from Common

Cold. The age groups are <10, 10 to 20, 20 to 30, 30 to 40, 40 to 50, 50 o 60, and

>60. The above table 1 represents the different age group of people, the least and

the most number of days cold last for and average number of time they suffer in a

year.

No. of days cold last

No. of No. of for No. of times in a
S.N. Age group Total
Male Female year
Least Most

1 under 10 13 8 21 3 14 6 to 8

2 10 to 20 22 29 51 4 10 2 to 6

3 20 to 30 15 18 33 5 8 2 to 4

4 30 to 40 33 34 67 7 12 2 to 3

5 40 to 50 12 15 27 5 9 2 to 6

6 50 to 60 19 16 35 7 10 2 to 3

7 above 60 10 13 23 4 7 2

Total no. of people = 257

Table 1: Survey Result

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16

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10

0
under 10 10 to 20 20 to 30 30 to 40 40 to 50 50 to 60 above 60

No. of days cold last for (Least) No. of days cold last for (Most)

Figure 1: No. of days cold last for

0
under 10 10 to 20 20 to 30 30 to 40 40 to 50 50 to 60 above 60

No. of times in a year

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Figure 2: No. of sufferings per year

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 CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

There are a large number of people suffering from common cold. Common cold is

recorded in every age group of people. According to survey conducted among 257

people, children under 10 years of age are more likely to suffer from cold in a year.

Children under 10 years of age in average suffer 7 times a year. The age group of 10

to 20 years of people suffer 2 to 6 times per year from cold in average. Similarly, the

age group of 20 to 30 and 30 to 40 years of age people suffer 2 to 4 and 2 to3 times

per year respectively. The age group from 40 to 50 and 50 to 60 years people suffer 2

to 6 and 2 to 3 times respectively in average according to the data present in the

report. Above 60 years of age the number of times suffered from cold in average is 2

times. Although in old age people are more likely to suffer from cold due to less

immune system which is contradictory according to our report. Common cold is a

communicable disease which may happen to any age group of people. For the

prevention from common cold we should move away from people before coughing or

sneezing. Cough and sneeze into a tissue then throw it away, or cough and sneeze into

our upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose. We should avoid

close contact with others. And for the treatment of common cold the aforementioned

treatment should be done. In serious cases doctors should be consulted and people that

are known to be in a group at high risk for developing severe or complicated illness

should seek medical attention and should be treated with antiviral drug as soon as

possible.

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 CHAPTER 5: RECOMMENDATION

 Prevention is better than cure. So, attention must be paid before getting caught

to cold.

 More number of people suffer from cold so vaccines must be searched for it.

 Children should pay more attention towards the hygiene and food they eat.

 Awareness should be spread among the children about the disease so they can

be more careful next time they get common cold.

 Healthy and hygienic food, boosting up immunity should be eaten.

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 CHAPTER 6: REFERENCES

 Bhatia, K.N. and M.P. Tyagi (2005). Elementary Biology. Jalandhar, India:

Trueman Book Company

 Pillai, A. and I. Paruthi (2008). Biology XII. India: Cambridge University

Press

 NCERT, National Council of Educational Research and Training Biology,

New Delhi, India

 Taylor, D.J., N.P.O. Green and G.W. Stout (2005). Biological Science.

London, UK: Cambridge University Press

 http://www.allprojectreports.com/

 https://www.google.com/

 https://www.yahoo.com/?guccounter=1

 https://search.yahoo.com/search?p=common+cold&fr=yfp-t&fr2=p%3Afp

%2Cm%3Asb&ei=UTF-8&fp=1

 https://www.who.int/health-topics/influenza-seasonal#tab=tab_1

 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/

 https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/cold

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