infections
Common Cold
Introduction
The common cold is a Overview of Viral Infections of the lining of the nose, sinuses, and throat. Many different viruses cause colds. Usually, colds are spread when a person's hands come in contact with nasal secretions from an infected person. Colds often start with a scratchy or sore throat or discomfort in the nose, followed by sneezing, a runny nose, a cough, and a general feeling of illness. Doctors base the diagnosis on symptoms. Good hygiene, including frequent hand washing, is the best way to prevent colds. Rest, decongestants,acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such asibuprofen) can help relieve symptoms. Common colds are among the most common illnesses. Many different viruses (rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, coronaviruses, and human metapneumoviruses) cause colds, but rhinoviruses (of which there are more than 100 subtypes) cause most colds. Colds caused by rhinoviruses occur more commonly in the spring and fall. Other viruses cause common coldlike illnesses at other times of the year. Colds spread mainly when people’s hands come in contact with nasal secretions from an infected person. These secretions contain cold viruses. When people then touch their mouth, nose, or eyes, the viruses gain entry to the body and cause a cold. Less often, colds are spread when people breathe air containing droplets that were coughed or sneezed out by an infected person. A cold is most contagious during the first 1 or 2 days after symptoms develop. Susceptibility to colds isnotincreased by any of the following: Becoming chilled General health and eating habits Having an abnormality of the nose or throat (such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids) Becoming chilled does not cause colds or make people more likely to get a cold. 