This isn't an indication of a bacterial infection. For children — in general, your child doesn't need to see the doctor for a common cold. But seek medical attention right away if your child has any of the following:.
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Although many types of viruses can cause a common cold, rhinoviruses are the most common culprit. A cold virus enters your body through your mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks. It also spreads by hand-to-hand contact with someone who has a cold or by sharing contaminated objects, such as utensils, towels, toys or telephones.
If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after such contact or exposure, you're likely to catch a cold. There's no vaccine for the common cold, but you can take common-sense precautions to slow the spread of cold viruses:. Sneeze and cough into tissues. Discard used tissues right away, then wash your hands carefully.
Teach children to sneeze or cough into the bend of their elbow when they don't have a tissue. That way they cover their mouths without using their hands. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.
This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat upper respiratory tract. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. References Sexton DJ, et al. The common cold in adults: Diagnosis and clinical features. Polyvalent bacterial vaccines, citrus fruits, vitamins, ultraviolet light, glycol aerosols, and other folk remedies do not prevent the common cold.
Handwashing and use of surface disinfectant in a contaminated environment may reduce spread of infection. Antibiotics should not be given unless there is clear evidence of secondary bacterial infection. In patients with chronic lung disease, antibiotics may be given with less restriction. Susceptibility to colds is not affected by exposure to cold, host health and nutrition, or the presence of upper respiratory tract abnormalities. Antihistamines may be used to relieve rhinorrhea, but they should not be used in the elderly or children Topical and oral decongestants relieve nasal obstruction, but repeated use may cause rebound congestion.
Many substances have been evaluated for prevention and treatment, but none has clearly been shown to be beneficial. Because of worldwide vaccination, the current threat of a smallpox outbreak is most likely to come from which of the following? Tap to switch to the Consumer Version.
Will This Cold Go Away on Its Own?
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Rhinovirus infections are most common during fall and spring and are less common during winter. There are no vaccines for the common cold.
In fact, taking antibiotics when you have a viral infection may do more harm than good. It may actually increase your risk of getting an infection later that will be resistant to antibiotic treatment.
(Upper Respiratory Infection; URI; Coryza)
The common cold is an upper respiratory viral infection. It creates inflammation in the nose and throat. A typical cold will last about 10 days, with the body's immune system eventually getting rid of the infection on its own. During the life of the cold, it can seem to actually get worse. Sometimes, complications may arise that require a doctor's intervention. So how do you know when to wait it out, when to seek medical care, or when to try other treatments? Symptoms of the common cold usually begin two to three days after initial infection. By the time you start feeling it, you've probably been contagious for two to three days.
On day one of symptoms, you're likely to experience a little tickle in the back of your throat and find yourself reaching for tissues more often than usual. At this point, it may be difficult to determine whether you have the cold or the flu. Typically, the flu will cause more fatigue and body aches than a cold. Treating your symptoms as soon as you think you have a cold may help you recover faster than you normally would.
Zinc may help shorten the duration of a cold. Taking zinc supplements as early as possible seems to increase your recovery speed.
Your Day-by-Day Guide to the Common Cold
An analysis of several studies found that compared to adults who didn't take zinc, adults who took zinc as a lozenge, pill, or syrup at the beginning of their cold had their symptoms end two days earlier. Consider taking one to two days off of work to stay home and sleep. Getting some extra rest early on may help your immune system better fight the virus.
It also will protect your co-workers from catching the same virus. On the second and third days, you're likely to have worse symptoms, such as a consistently runny nose and increased sore throat. You may not feel much different than you did the first day if your at-home remedies are working. Keep up the fluids, rest, and zinc, and you may get away with only a few sniffles and coughs.
Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough. Try to stay home from work if you can. Regularly disinfect surfaces such as countertops, phones, doorknobs, and computer keyboards.
Common Cold - Infectious Diseases - MSD Manual Professional Edition
Mothers have used chicken soup for generations to help when family members feel ill. The warm liquid can soothe symptoms and it does seem to help relieve congestion by increasing the flow of mucus.
Make sure you get plenty of rest and take naps if you feel like it. Propping yourself up with pillows can lessen sinus congestion and allow you to sleep better. To loosen congestion, sit over a bowl of hot water, place a towel over your head, and inhale the steam. A hot, steamy shower may also help. You can use a vaporizer or humidifier in your room to loosen congestion and help you sleep.
Try hot beverages with honey to soothe throat pain, or gargle with warm salt water. Antihistamines may provide relief from cough, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. Try these options on Amazon.