The common cold is a usually harmless, but very stubborn and annoying, viral infection of your nose and throat that spreads easily. Cold viruses enter your body through your mouth, nose, eyes or other mucous membranes. The virus may spread through droplets in the air when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks, by contact with someone who has a cold or by using shared objects.
Symptoms for the common cold may vary greatly and usually appear about two to three days after exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, signs and symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Watery eyes
- Mild headache
- Mild body aches
Generally people with a cold will not have a high fever but may experience ear infection, wheezing, sinusitis or other infections, which should be treated by your healthcare provider. There is no cure for the common cold. Many believe that antibiotics may be effective against viruses but they are not - antibiotics are only effective against bacteria. You may not be able to cure your common cold, but these tips from The Mayo Clinic may help make you more comfortable:
- Drink fluids
- Eat chicken soup
- Get plenty of rest
- Soothe your throat
- Use saline spray
The common cold generally lasts about a week or two. If symptoms do not improve, see your health provider. You should also see your health provider if you develop a high fever, achiness, fatigue or if your symptoms seem to get worse.
According to the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases no vaccine has been developed for the common cold. However, they recommend some prevention strategies to help reduce your risk for developing a cold:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Disinfect surfaces
- Sneeze or cough into your elbow
- Do not share drinking glasses or utensils with others
- Avoid close contact with others
For more information, visit the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health.
