Cold, Common

The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat. A common cold is usually harmless. Most people recover from a common cold in about a week or two. If symptoms don’t approve, see your doctor.

The Common Cold is a group of symptoms in the upper respiratory tract caused by a large number of different viruses.

How a Common Cold Starts

• You can catch a common cold from another person who is infected with the virus. This contact usually occurs by touch a surface contaminated with cold germs and then touching your nose or mouth.
• You can also catch a cold by encountering discharges that someone with a cold has sneezed into the air.

Factors that make you More Susceptible to Catching a Cold Virus

• Fatigue
• Emotional distress
• Allergies

Cold Symptoms

• Burning feeling in the nose or throat
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Feeling tired
• Coughing
• Watery eyes
• Itching
• You have an inability to swallow
• Your sore throat lasts for more than 2 or 3 days, and it if it worsening
• You have an earache
• You have a stiff neck or sensitivity to bright lights
• You’re pregnant
• You have a temperature of 101 degrees F or higher

Preparing for Cold Season

• In the U.S., most colds occur during the fall and winter
• In late August and early September, the rate of colds increases and remains high until March or April, when it begins to decline
• Seasonal changes in humidity also affect the prevalence of colds

How to Protect Yourself and Others

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Viruses live on your hands and regular hand washing can protect you from catching a cold.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay away from people who are sick

If you have a cold, follow these tips to prevent your virus from spreading to others:

• Stay at home while you are sick
• Avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing or shaking hands
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue. Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands as this may pass on the virus
• Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
• Disinfect frequently touch surfaces

Symptom Relief

• Over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief of symptoms
• Congestion, cough and nasal discharge may be treated with a decongestant, antihistamine or a combination of the two
• Herbs, minerals and other products such as Echinacea, garlic, honey, lemon, menthol, zinc and vitamin C are often used as cold remedies
• Drink adequate liquids. Eight glasses of water and/or juice per day are recommended.
• Avoid coffee, tea or soft drinks that contain caffeine
• If you smoke, stop smoking. Stay away from other smokers.

A Guide for the Cold & Flu Season

What Am I Sick With Comparison

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