Understanding the Common Cold
As winter approaches, many people start noticing signs of the infamous "cold going around." The common cold is one of the most widespread illnesses, responsible for over 1 billion infections in the United States each year. Adults catch an average of 2-4 colds per year while children typically get even more.
The common cold is caused by over 200 different viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most prevalent. These viruses infect and replicate inside the nose and throat leading to that all-too-familiar runny nose, sore throat, congestion, sneezing and coughing.
How Colds Spread
Understanding how these pesky viruses spread can help prevent catching that cold going around the office. Rhinoviruses and other cold-causing viruses spread mainly through hand contact. An infected person sneezes into their hand and touches a doorknob or countertop, leaving behind virus particles. Another person then touches the same surface before touching their eyes, nose or mouth allowing virus particles to enter the body and cause infection.
Preventing Colds
While there is no cure for the common cold, there are actions one can take to reduce the chances of infection:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap is unavailable
- Avoid touching the face, especially eyes, nose and mouth
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and keyboards
- Get adequate sleep and eat a balanced, nutritious diet to support the immune system
How Colds Differ from the Flu
Many people use "cold" and "flu" interchangeably but they are distinct illnesses caused by different viruses. Influenza or "the flu" is generally more severe than the common cold. Understanding how they differ is important for knowing how to treat them.
Flu Symptoms
Influenza most prominently causes high fever, body aches, headache and significant fatigue that can last 1-2 weeks. Cold symptoms are generally milder with low or no fever. Colds rarely lead to serious health complications like the flu can.
Flu Complications
While cold-causing viruses only infect the nose and throat, influenza spreads deeper into the lungs. This can lead to dangerous pneumonia, particularly in high risk groups like the elderly and those with other medical conditions. The flu also exacerbates chronic illnesses like asthma, congestive heart failure and diabetes.
Treating Colds and Flu
Colds and the flu both cause misery but luckily, most healthy people recover just fine with rest and self care. Understanding typical symptom duration helps evaluate if medical attention is needed.
Treating Cold Symptoms
There is no cure for the common cold, which usually improves in 1-2 weeks. Manage symptoms by:
- Drinking extra fluids like water, juice and broths
- Gargling saltwater for sore throats
- Getting extra sleep
- Trying over-the-counter cold medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), decongestants or cough suppressants
Treating Flu Symptoms
Symptoms may last up to 2 weeks. Manage at home with:
- Plentiful fluids and rest
- Oral pain relievers like acetaminophen for aches
- Cough medicine for severe coughs
- Antiviral medication like Tamiflu if started very early on
Those at high risk for complications should see a doctor right away when the flu is suspected for evaluation and possibly antiviral medication. Even healthy people should seek medical care if they experience symptoms like:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Flu symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Preventing Future Illness
While the cold and flu can make anyone miserable for days or weeks, the good news is there are practical prevention strategies to reduce risk of getting sick.
Flu Vaccination
Getting an annual flu shot is the best way to prevent influenza infection. Flu vaccines prime the immune system to quickly recognize and fight off influenza viruses. It takes about 2 weeks post-vaccination to provide protection that then lasts through that flu season.
General Prevention Strategies
Protect against both colds and flu year round through proper hand hygiene, disinfecting shared surfaces, avoiding sick contacts, and supporting general health through rest, nutrition and stress management. Despite best efforts, colds and flu remain prevalent yearly. Understanding typical patterns, likely symptoms and treatment options helps minimize disruption and speed recovery.
FAQs
What is the most common cause of the common cold?
Rhinoviruses are the primary cause of the common cold, responsible for up to 50% of the colds in adults and a higher percentage in children.
How long is someone with a cold contagious?
Cold viruses start reproducing almost as soon as they enter the body. Symptoms usually appear 1-3 days after infection, at which point viruses are being shed and can infect others. Adults are contagious for up to 5 days after symptoms emerge while children can remain contagious for over a week.
Is there a way to get rid of the common cold faster?
Unfortunately there is no cure for the common cold so it cannot be eliminated quicker than the normal course of 1-2 weeks. Getting plenty of rest and fluids can help relieve symptoms faster.
What vitamin is most important to fighting colds?
Vitamin C helps support a healthy immune system and may help colds resolve slightly faster. Deficiencies in vitamin C are linked to increased susceptibility to infection so getting adequate intake through foods like citrus, leafy greens and other fruits and vegetables can help fight colds year-round.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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