Common Cold (Head Cold)

COMMON COLD (HEAD COLD)

Everyone has had the common cold at some time or another. This extremely common upper respiratory infection is usually caused by one of the 57 types of adenovirus. People infected with the common cold become contagious a few days before symptoms appear and remain contagious until recovery. In total, contagion lasts about two weeks.

As an upper respiratory infection, the common cold causes runny nose, sore throat, and headache. Your lymph nodes may swell. People usually recover within a week with this mild illness. However, it may take up to two weeks to recover.

There is no specific treatment for a cold. Antibiotics are useless against the cold virus and should not be over-used. Over-the-counter pain relievers may relieve body pain. Decongestants can help too. Cough syrups may provide some relief as well. As with all medications, read labels carefully and follow their direction. Be especially careful when treating a child, as many cold medicines are unsuitable for children. Perhaps most importantly, drink lots of fluids. This keeps cold sufferers hydrated and helps prevent another infection from setting in. Adequate rest may also help you recover and feel better.

Nearly 250 different viruses can lead to a cold. Scientists have not yet been able to develop a cold vaccine to protect against all of these viruses.