Colds

The common cold is a disease of the respiratory system, affecting mainly the nose and throat. It is sometimes known by its scientific name, ‘viral nasopharyngitis’. Symptoms of the common cold include, but are not limited to, a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and excess phlegm, nasal congestion, headache and tiredness. A cold may also cause someone to feel aching all over their body, or experience symptoms of conjunctivitis such as red, itchy eyes. A typical cold will last around five to seven days, with residual symptoms hanging around for perhaps a fortnight. The average adult will contract a cold two-to-four times a year, and children up to twelve times a year, making it the most common infectious disease on the planet. Families with school age children are at particular risk, due to the efficiency of the virus to pass between family members.

As an upper respiratory tract infection, the common cold differs from influenza, which is considered a more serious respiratory tract infection that includes symptoms such as chills, fever, and more serious muscular aches and pains.

The common cold is seldom a life-threatening condition by itself, but complications caused by a cold can be very dangerous, such as pneumonia. Particular risk groups include the very old and very young, as well as those with compromised immune systems.

The symptoms of a cold typically begin a couple of days after the initial infection. A sore throat is often the first sign of a cold, followed by a runny nose and nasal congestion, coughing and bouts of sneezing. Fatigue, aching muscles and a general feeling of weakness are other common indicators. Headaches and fever are rare in cases of the common cold, and severe exhaustion is not a symptom. If you experience either bad headaches or serious exhaustion in addition to the usual cold symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately. The cough that tends to accompany a cold is often the last symptom to remain. Symptoms of a common cold may present with more severity in at-risk groups, including the very young and very old.

By the time a cold clears up, the patient will have developed a resistance to that specific cold virus. Unfortunately, variations of cold virus are limitless, and the likelihood of being infected with a different cold virus at any time is high. For this reason, it is also very unlikely that immunization against the common cold will ever be possible, or that a ‘cure’ for all colds is feasible. The cold virus is a constantly adapting, fluctuating organism.

Basic hygiene is the best way to avoid catching a cold, including such measures as regular hand-washing, as well as avoiding close contact with existing sufferers. In the case of hand-washing, it is the physical action of such which removes the virus, antibacterial soaps and cleansers offer no protection.

Treatment for the common cold is limited to relieving symptoms of the disease, and include such simple remedies as rest and drinking plenty of fluids. Decongestants are helpful, and available over-the-counter in various forms. Analgesics (aspirin, paracetamol) are useful to treat minor pain and inflammation, particularly of the throat. Lozenges made specifically for this purpose are commonplace. Cough suppressants are also useful and best used early to prevent unnecessary further irritation. Antihistamines (diphenhydramine, clemastine) can help to reduce the secretion of mucous in the throat, but may also make the patient drowsy and so should be avoided in certain circumstances. For the majority of patients, a cold is a minor inconvenience and will not interfere too much in their daily lives.

Hot drinks may help to soothe the symptoms of a cold. Old favourites include tea with honey and lemon, and sometimes a strong shot of whisky. Some herbal teas like chamomile may also be effective.

Echinacea, a native North American plant, is often included in over-the-counter cold recipes, and is thought to be beneficial. Garlic and liquorice supplements are also popular.

Most medical professionals recommend bed rest, fluids, and simple over-the-counter remedies as a treatment for the common cold, as well as either saline nasal spray or gargling with salty warm water.

It is usually better for everyone if you stay at home and recover when you have a cold, rather than going to work and risk infecting your colleagues and putting in a sub-standard performance. Many schools and some employers insist that sufferers of colds stay home or are sent home for precisely this reason. Do not be tempted to be a hero. Stay home and recover.

Colds