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Common cold
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The Common Cold
Coryza
Common Cold Syndrome includes rhinitis, tonsilitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis (including croup), pharyngo-laryngitis etc.
Sometimes Influenza (the flu) and sinusitis are characterized as a common cold syndrome.
The Common ColdThe common cold is a viral infection of
the upper respiratory tractUsually last approximately 7 daysAssociated with a number of viruses
– Ex. Rhinoviruses, parainfluenza virusesSeason of the year, age, and prior exposure
are important factors in the type of virus causing the infection and the type of symptoms that may occur
Mode of transmission
Very contagiousSpread from person to personUsually from nasal secretions and from
fingers of the affected personMost contagious in the first 3 days after
symptoms beginViruses can last up to 5 hours on the skin
and hard surfaces
Symptoms
Begins with a feeling of dryness and stuffiness in the nasopharynx (nose)
Nasal secretions (usually clear and watery)Watery eyesRed and swollen nasal mucous membranesHeadacheGeneralized tirednessChills (in severe cases)
Symptoms cont..
Fever (in severe cases)Exhaustion (in severe cases)If the pharynx and larynx (throat) becomes
involved:• Sore throat• Hoarseness
Treatment of common cold
AntihistaminesDecongestantsPain RelieversCough suppressantsNasal StripsAntibiotics are ineffective!!!
When do I see the doctor?
See your doctor if you have:Temperature over 101 degrees for more
than 48 hoursA cough with pain in the chestShortness of breathPersistent sore throat, without a runny or
stuffy nose
Consult doctor if…
Your throat is very red and it hurts to swallow
No improvement within 7 daysSevere headache with a feverWorsening pain in one or both earsAny chronic medical condition
– Ex. Asthma or diabetes
Prevention
GOOD HANDWASHING!Cough and sneeze into arm or tissue, not
into your handAerosol sprays (ex. Lysol)Antibacterial sanitizers (ex. Purell)
Common Cold Syndrome is a general term of acute inflammatory disease of the upper respiratory tracts such as nasal cavity, tonsils, pharynx and larynx etc.
Comparison of Influenza and the Common Cold
Common cold
Influenza Features
More gradual Abrupt Onset
Uncommon Common Fever
Uncommon Severe, common Myalgia
Uncommon Severe, common Arthralgia
Uncommon Common Anorexia
Mild, uncommon
Severe, common Headache
Mild to moderate
Common, severe Cough (dry)
Mild Severe Malaise
Very mild, short lasting
More common than with the common cold;
lasts 2 to 3 weeks
Fatigue, weakness
Mild to moderate
Common, severe Chest discomfort
Common Occasional Stuffy nose
Common Occasional Sneezing
Common Occasional Sore throat
The common cold may be caused by more than
100 different viruses.
Medications can help relieve cold symptoms, but
only time can cure a cold.
Although many people are convinced that a cold results from:
1. exposure to cold weather
2. from getting chilled or overheated
3. fatigue, or sleep deprivation.
these conditions have little or no effect on the development or severity of a cold.
On the other hand, research suggests that :
psychological stress
allergic disorders affecting the nasal passages or throat
menstrual cycles
may have an impact on a person's susceptibility to colds.
Common cold
UP TO 6 COMMON COLDS/YEAR IN ADULTS
AND 8 COMMON COLDS/YEAR IN CHILDRENS ACCEPTABLE.
Common Cold Viruses %COLD SEROTYPE VIRUSES
60 +100 RHINOVIRUS
15 2 CORONAVIRUS
<10 3 INFLUENZA
<10 4 PARA INFLUENZA
<10 2 R S V
<10 47 ADENOVIRUS
<10 +40 ENTROVIRUS
The end