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Cold-eaze
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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)
Note: symptoms usually last less than two weeks.
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.
Expectations (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
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