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.