HealthyCanada.com

Overview

An infection of the nose and upper airways nothing is more common than a common cold. Because it can be caused by numerous viruses it strikes half the population at least once every year. You can catch a cold at any time but are more likely to do so between November and April when people tend to stay indoors more. There is no cure for the common cold but you can find relief without going to your doctor.

Causes

Who hasn't warned their children to bundle up in winter so they won't catch a cold?

The truth is that despite the common belief colds flu and other infections are typically not spread as a result of weather or being out in the cold. The myth probably persists because colds and the flu are indeed more common during winter months.

There are over 200 different viruses that cause 90% of common cold cases; the most notorious culprit is the rhinovirus which is responsible for about 40% of the cold virus infection.

Colds spread quickly. Viruses are contained in the droplets of another person's runny nose sneezes and coughs and they are quite robust. They survive for hours on hard surfaces - things like computer keyboards elevator buttons and escalator hand railings. When you touch something that has been previously handled by a person with a cold chances are you'll get it too. That's why experts strongly encourage frequent hand washing -- whether you have a cold or not -- as the best means for preventing the spread of germs.

While there is no cure you will find that you get fewer colds through the years as you build up some immunity to the most common viruses. Children tend to get lots of colds because they are often being exposed to the viruses for the first time as they spread quickly through schools and daycares.

Symptoms

Most people know when they've come down with a cold. Symptoms start to appear within a day or two of coming into contact with a virus. At first you may just feel tired or rundown. Your muscles might ache and you may have a sore throat. After two or three days you could have a runny nose and start sneezing. Some people tend to get over colds faster than others but on average it takes a week to 10 days for it to run its course.

Complications

When you have a cold it is possible to also get a bacterial infection. In children this often shows itself as an earache. This is called otitis media. It starts suddenly and can be very painful because of pressure within the middle ear. See your doctor if you suspect an ear infection. Having a cold can also lead to other infections such as 'pink eye' (mild conjunctivitis) - especially in children who are prone to wiping their noses and rubbing their eyes. Children as well as adults can also be more susceptible to chest and/or sinus infections when they have a cold. These too will have to be cared for by a doctor.

Treatment

While there isn't a cure for the common cold there are a myriad of ways to treat the symptoms and hopefully make you feel a little better for the 4 to 10 days you're likely to suffer from it.

Over-the-counter nasal sprays/decongestants antihistamines and cough suppressants will ease a cold's symptoms - just remember that they do not do anything to make the cold virus leave your system any faster. Some nasal sprays or decongestants can actually cause 'rebound congestion' the decongestants actually make you more congested if you use them too often. You can take ibuprofen or paracetamol for the relief of aches and pains and if you have a fever to reduce your temperature. Never give aspirin to a child with a fever as it could increase their risk of a life-threatening condition known as Reye's Syndrome.

For sore throats gargling with warm salt water can ease the discomfort so can having a humidifier in the area to keep the air moist. Extra moisture in the air can help loosen mucus in the chest.

Let it work. The best preventative and treatment measure ironically is to just let the virus work its way through your system. This will at least provide you with a degree of immunity from that particular strain of the cold virus but remember there are a couple of hundred different viruses that can give you a cold which helps explain why there is no cure.

Prevention

A little common sense goes a long way in preventing the common cold.

Washing your hands: It is never too soon to start washing your hands more frequently. Since the cold virus is spread by touch this is your first and most important line of defense. Washing your hands is also important in the ongoing battle against SARS the Norwalk virus and a host of other infectious diseases.

Proper exercise rest and nutrition: These three factors will help keep your body's immune system strong and able to fend off cold-causing viruses. Research also suggests that a positive outlook on life may help.

Overview

An infection of the nose and upper airways nothing is more common than a common cold. Because it can be caused by numerous viruses it strikes half the population at least once every year. You can catch a cold at any time but are more likely to do so between November and April when people tend to stay indoors more. There is no cure for the common cold but you can find relief without going to your doctor.

Causes

Who hasn't warned their children to bundle up in winter so they won't catch a cold?

The truth is that despite the common belief colds flu and other infections are typically not spread as a result of weather or being out in the cold. The myth probably persists because colds and the flu are indeed more common during winter months.

There are over 200 different viruses that cause 90% of common cold cases; the most notorious culprit is the rhinovirus which is responsible for about 40% of the cold virus infection.

Colds spread quickly. Viruses are contained in the droplets of another person's runny nose sneezes and coughs and they are quite robust. They survive for hours on hard surfaces - things like computer keyboards elevator buttons and escalator hand railings. When you touch something that has been previously handled by a person with a cold chances are you'll get it too. That's why experts strongly encourage frequent hand washing -- whether you have a cold or not -- as the best means for preventing the spread of germs.

While there is no cure you will find that you get fewer colds through the years as you build up some immunity to the most common viruses. Children tend to get lots of colds because they are often being exposed to the viruses for the first time as they spread quickly through schools and daycares.

Symptoms

Most people know when they've come down with a cold. Symptoms start to appear within a day or two of coming into contact with a virus. At first you may just feel tired or rundown. Your muscles might ache and you may have a sore throat. After two or three days you could have a runny nose and start sneezing. Some people tend to get over colds faster than others but on average it takes a week to 10 days for it to run its course.

Complications

When you have a cold it is possible to also get a bacterial infection. In children this often shows itself as an earache. This is called otitis media. It starts suddenly and can be very painful because of pressure within the middle ear. See your doctor if you suspect an ear infection. Having a cold can also lead to other infections such as 'pink eye' (mild conjunctivitis) - especially in children who are prone to wiping their noses and rubbing their eyes. Children as well as adults can also be more susceptible to chest and/or sinus infections when they have a cold. These too will have to be cared for by a doctor.

Treatment

While there isn't a cure for the common cold there are a myriad of ways to treat the symptoms and hopefully make you feel a little better for the 4 to 10 days you're likely to suffer from it.

Over-the-counter nasal sprays/decongestants antihistamines and cough suppressants will ease a cold's symptoms - just remember that they do not do anything to make the cold virus leave your system any faster. Some nasal sprays or decongestants can actually cause 'rebound congestion' the decongestants actually make you more congested if you use them too often. You can take ibuprofen or paracetamol for the relief of aches and pains and if you have a fever to reduce your temperature. Never give aspirin to a child with a fever as it could increase their risk of a life-threatening condition known as Reye's Syndrome.

For sore throats gargling with warm salt water can ease the discomfort so can having a humidifier in the area to keep the air moist. Extra moisture in the air can help loosen mucus in the chest.

Let it work. The best preventative and treatment measure ironically is to just let the virus work its way through your system. This will at least provide you with a degree of immunity from that particular strain of the cold virus but remember there are a couple of hundred different viruses that can give you a cold which helps explain why there is no cure.

Prevention

A little common sense goes a long way in preventing the common cold.

Washing your hands: It is never too soon to start washing your hands more frequently. Since the cold virus is spread by touch this is your first and most important line of defense. Washing your hands is also important in the ongoing battle against SARS the Norwalk virus and a host of other infectious diseases.

Proper exercise rest and nutrition: These three factors will help keep your body's immune system strong and able to fend off cold-causing viruses. Research also suggests that a positive outlook on life may help.