Common Cold

The Common Cold

Coryza

Common Cold Syndrome includes rhinitis, tonsilitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis (including croup), pharyngo-laryngitis etc. Sometimes Influenza (the flu) sinusitis are characterized as a common cold syndrome.

and

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

Mode of transmission 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 

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 

Consult 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

Prevention GOOD HANDWASHING!  Cough and sneeze into arm or tissue, not into your hand  Aerosol sprays (ex. Lysol)  Antibacterial sanitizers (ex. Purell) 

Common Cold Syndrome is a general term of acute inflammatory disease of the upper respiratory tracts such as nasal cavity, tonsils, pharynx and larynx etc.

Comparison of Influenza and the Common Cold

Features

Influenza

Common cold

Onset

Abrupt

More gradual

Fever

Common

Uncommon

Myalgia

Severe common

Uncommon

Arthralgia

Severe common

Uncommon

Anorexia

Common

Uncommon

Headache

Severe common

Mild, uncommon

Cough (dry)

Common severe

Mild to moderate

Malaise

Severe

Mild

Fatigue, weakness

More common than with the common cold lasts 2 to 3 weeks

Very mild, short lasting

Chest discomfort

Common severe

Mild to moderate

Stuffy nose

Occasional

Common

Sneezing

Occasional

Common

Sore throat

Occasional

Common

The common cold may be caused by more than 100 different viruses.

Medications can help relieve cold symptoms, but

only time can cure a cold.

Although many people are convinced that a cold results from: 1. exposure to cold weather

2. from getting chilled or overheated 3. fatigue, or sleep deprivation. these conditions have little or no effect on the development or severity of a cold.

On the other hand, research suggests that : psychological stress allergic disorders affecting the nasal passages or throat menstrual cycles

may have an impact on a person's susceptibility to colds.

Common cold UP TO 6 COMMON COLDS/YEAR IN ADULTS AND 8 COMMON COLDS/YEAR IN CHILDRENS ACCEPTABLE.

Common Cold Viruses VIRUSES

SEROTYPE

% COLD

RHINOVIRUS

+100

60

CORONAVIRUS

2

15

INFLUENZA

3

< 10

PARA INFLUENZA

4

< 10

RSV

2

<10

ADENOVIRUS

47

< 10

ENTROVIRUS

+40

< 10

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