The common cold is a contagious viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, which includes the nose, throat, and sinuses. It is a self-limited illness, which means that it will usually go away on its own within a week to ten days without any specific treatment. However, colds can be very uncomfortable and can interfere with daily activities.
The cold virus spreads from person to person through respiratory secretions that are expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These secretions can then be inhaled by another person or transferred through contact with contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs or shared utensils. Once the virus enters the body, it attaches to and infects cells in the lining of the nose and throat, causing inflammation and irritation.
Symptoms of a cold usually appear within one to three days of exposure to the virus and can include:
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Cough
Sneezing
Headache
Body aches
Fatigue
Low-grade fever (less than 100.4 F or 38 C)
Most people recover from a cold within a week to ten days, but some people may develop complications, such as sinusitis or ear infections. Treatment for a cold focuses on managing symptoms and may include rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications such as decongestants, pain relievers, and cough suppressants. Antibiotics are not effective against the cold virus, and should not be used unless there is a bacterial infection present.
Prevention of the common cold involves practicing good hygiene such as washing hands regularly, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. There is also a vaccine available for the flu, which is a separate virus but can cause similar symptoms to the cold.
