Alternate Names: Viral upper respiratory infection; Common cold

Causes and Risks: Colds are caused by over 200 different viruses, known as rhinoviruses. Colds are not caused by the same viruses responsible for influenza. Colds spread through droplets from the coughing or sneezing of others with a cold or by hand contact with objects contaminated by someone with a cold. The incidence of colds is highest among children, and the incidence decreases with age because immunity to the virus causing the cold occurs after the illness. Gradually, immunity to a wide variety of viruses that cause colds is developed in adults. Children may have 10 colds a year, and adults may have 3 colds a year.

Prevention: There is no scientific evidence to support beliefs that avoiding cold temperatures or drafts or taking large quantities of vitamin C will prevent colds.

Symptoms:

• runny nose
• nasal congestion
• sneezing
• sore throat
• cough
• muscle aches
• headache
• fever low grade (102 F or lower)

Signs and Tests: Diagnosis is based on the clinical symptoms.

Treatment: Cold symptoms should go away in a week to 10 days. Treatment by a health care provider is not indicated for a cold unless symptoms continue, or existing respiratory conditions are worsened by the symptoms.

Home care measures may relieve some of the symptoms of the cold but will not affect the duration of the illness. These measures include taking over-the-counter pain relievers, drinking plenty of fluids, and rest. Antibiotics are not appropriate treatment for colds.

Prognosis: Symptoms usually go away in 7 to 10 days.

Complications:

• aggravation of a pre-existing respiratory condition
• secondary bacterial infection
• bronchitis
• pneumonia
• ear infection
• sinusitis

Use home care measures first. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7 to 10 days, if breathing difficulty develops, or if thick, green or brown sputum develops.