What you need to know about the common cold!

It's hard to find someone who doesn't catch a cold once or twice a year, isn't it? A stuffy nose, a scratchy throat , sneezing... These annoying symptoms can ruin our entire day for a while. Today we're talking about the ' common cold ', which is easily transmitted from person to person at home, school, and the office. How does it actually develop? What are the symptoms? Is there a cure? Can it be prevented? Let's find the answers to all these questions in this article.

🤔 What is this cold? (Overview)

Simply put, a cold is an infection caused by a virus that enters the upper respiratory system, which includes our nose, throat, sinuses, and windpipe/trachea.

❓ How does a cold develop?

This infection is caused by a virus. This virus enters our body through the mucous membranes (thin, moist membranes) of the nose, eyes, or mouth. How does it happen?

• By inhalation: When someone with a cold coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing the virus are released into the air. If we breathe that air, the virus can enter our nose.
• By touch: If a sick person wipes their nose or sneezes and then touches something like a doorknob, table, or phone, the virus can settle on that surface. If a healthy person touches that surface and then touches their nose, mouth, or eyes with the same hand, the virus can enter the body.

❓ Why is this called "Common Cold"?

As the name suggests, this is very 'common', meaning it's very common and common. In fact, the common cold may be the most common illness we get in our lifetime! On average, an adult will get it two or three times a year. Young children can get it four or more times a year.

❓ Is the common cold a coronavirus?

This is a bit confusing. There are actually over 200 types of viruses that can cause the common cold! The most common (about 50%) of them are the Rhinoviruses . However, some viruses in the Coronaviruses group can also cause the common cold. But they are not the new coronavirus that caused a global pandemic in 2019 ( SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 ). The diseases caused by the coronaviruses that cause the common cold are not serious and recover quickly. (We will talk about the difference between COVID-19 and the common cold later).

🤧 Symptoms and Causes

Cold symptoms usually don't appear all at once, but come in stages.

❓ What are the symptoms of a cold? (What are the symptoms?)

• Early Stage (Days 1-3): The first symptoms begin to appear within a day or three of being infected with the virus. Most people (about 50%) first experience a slight tickle, itching, or sore throat. In addition, during these days:
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose (watery at first, may become thick later)
  • Stuffy nose / nasal congestion
  • Cough (may be a dry cough at first)
  • Symptoms such as hoarseness/hoarseness may occur.
• Active Stage (Days 4-7): During these days, symptoms become more severe and reach their peak. In addition to the previous symptoms, the following may also occur:
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Tears/watery eyes, continuous runny nose
  • Fatigue
  • Fever (more common in young children than adults)
• Late Stage (Days 8-10): Most of the time, the illness will start to subside by this time. You may have completely recovered. However, some symptoms, especially the cough, may persist for a few more days, sometimes even weeks (up to 2 months). Important: If you are not feeling better after 10 days, if your symptoms worsen, or if your fever returns, you should definitely see a doctor. This could mean that you have developed another complication from your cold - such as bronchitis, sinusitis, or pneumonia.

❓ Symptoms of a cold in babies (Symptoms in Babies)

When a baby gets a cold, they may show slightly different symptoms than adults:

• Vaginal discharge (watery at first, then thickens and may turn gray, yellow, or green)
• Sneezing
• Fever around 101-102 Fahrenheit (38.3-38.9 Celsius)
• Loss of appetite
• Increased drooling due to sore throat and difficulty swallowing
• Cough
• Irritability
• Slight swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck

❓ How to distinguish a baby's cold symptoms from a serious illness?

If your little one has any of the following symptoms, it could be something more serious than a simple cold. Seek medical advice immediately:

• If a baby 2 months or younger has a fever.
• Difficulty breathing (especially if the nostrils flare when breathing).
• Rapid or labored breathing.
• If you make a whistling sound when breathing.
• If you can see your ribs going in when you breathe (Ribs showing).
• If the lips are blue (Blue lips).
• If you refuse to eat or drink (may cause dehydration).
• If you feel like you have ear pain.
• If you are acting more erratic or sleepy than usual.
• If the cough persists for more than 3 weeks.
• If the illness seems to be getting worse day by day instead of getting better.

❓ What causes a cold? (What causes it?)

As we've said before, viruses cause colds. The main culprit is rhinoviruses . There are over 100 types of rhinoviruses! In addition, there are about 200 other types of viruses, including coronaviruses, which cause the common cold. This means that just because you've had a cold once doesn't mean you won't get it again, because the next time it might be a different virus.

❓ Is the common cold contagious? How is it transmitted?

Yes, it is definitely contagious. It spreads very easily from person to person. As we discussed above, it is spread by breathing in droplets containing the virus that are released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.

❓ How long can you be contagious?

Don't be surprised, you can spread the disease to someone else as early as a day or two before you start having symptoms! Also, the virus can be shed from your body for up to 2 weeks after you recover. However, you are most contagious when your symptoms are at their peak - usually within the first 3 days of getting sick.

❓ How long is the incubation period?

The incubation period is the time from when the virus enters the body until the first symptoms appear. For the common cold, this period is usually between 12 hours and 3 days .

❓ Why do young children get colds more often?

The immune system of young children and babies is not yet used to being exposed to these viruses. Their bodies are still learning to recognize and fight off these new viruses. Therefore, they get infections easily. By the age of 2, a baby can get about 8-10 colds a year! As adults, we are exposed to many cold viruses, so when a similar virus comes along, our immune system can recognize it and fight it quickly. Another reason is that young children are very close to each other at school, in classes, and when playing. Also, they often do not cover their mouths and sneezes with their hands, they often touch their mouths, noses, and eyes with their hands, and they wash their hands less often. This makes the virus spread easily. The cold virus can live on surfaces such as toys and books for several hours. Babies can easily get the disease if they pick up a toy that other babies have touched and put it in their mouths.

🩺 Diagnosis and Tests

❓ How does a doctor diagnose a cold?

A doctor will usually determine if you have a cold by asking you about your symptoms and performing a physical exam. During the exam, they may look for things like:

• Are the inside of the nostrils swollen?
• Is your nose blocked?
• Does your throat feel red and sore?
• Are the lymph nodes in the neck swollen?
• Are the lung sounds normal? (Clear lungs - make sure there is no pneumonia)

❓ What kind of tests do you do?

Most of the time, a cold can be diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical exam. No special tests are needed. However, if your doctor suspects you have COVID-19, influenza (flu), or another condition, they may take a nasal swab test to see if you have the virus. A chest X-ray may also be done if a complication like bronchitis or pneumonia is suspected.

💊 Management and Treatment

❓ How to treat a cold?

This is the most important thing: There is no specific 'cure' for the common cold. That is, there is no medicine that will completely kill the virus. All we can do is let the illness heal on its own, while managing the symptoms and making the body comfortable. Most colds resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days without becoming serious. Treatment consists of over-the-counter (OTC) medications and home care.

❓ Why can't antibiotics cure colds?

This is where many people make a mistake. Antibiotics are drugs that treat infections caused by bacteria. Colds are caused by viruses. So, giving a drug that kills bacteria to kill a virus is useless. Antibiotics do not cure colds, nor do they make them go away any faster. Using antibiotics unnecessarily only kills the good bacteria in the body and creates antibiotic resistance. However, sometimes (especially in young children) colds can cause complications such as ear infections or pneumonia caused by bacteria. In such cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection.

❓ What medications are used to reduce symptoms?

There are many over-the-counter (OTC) medications available for treating cold symptoms. However, some of these are not suitable for young children. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before giving a child any of these medications. Also, do not mix and match medications that are intended for different symptoms. Doing so can cause the body to absorb too much of the ingredients and cause other health problems (such as liver damage). Here are some medications that can help with cold symptoms:

• Pain relievers: Paracetamol (such as Panadol®, Calpol®) and NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen - such as Brufen®) can help reduce headaches and fever.
• Decongestants: Medications containing pseudoephedrine (such as Sudafed®) can help relieve nasal congestion . (These may not be suitable for some people, especially those with high blood pressure, so consult your doctor.) There are also decongestant nasal sprays, but they should not be used for more than a few days.
• Antihistamines: Chlorpheniramine (such as Piriton®) and diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl®) can reduce sneezing and runny nose. However, they can cause drowsiness.
• Cough suppressants: Medications such as dextromethorphan (found in some cough syrups) can help control coughs (these are generally not recommended for children under 5 years of age).
• Expectorants: Medicines containing guaifenesin (such as Mucinex®) help loosen thick mucus in the chest and make it easier to cough up.

❓ How to treat a cold in a small baby?

Most importantly: Do not give your baby any over-the-counter cough or cold medicine unless recommended by a doctor! Here are some things to do when your baby has a cold:

• Keep your baby comfortable: Dress him in warm, comfortable clothes.
• Give fluids: If your baby is under 6 months old, continue to give breast milk or formula. If your baby is over 6 months old, you can also give him water in small amounts.
• Let the baby rest: If it's hard for him to play, let him sleep well and rest.
• If your nose is blocked: Most babies can't clear their noses by themselves until they're about 4 years old. So these methods can help:
  • Saline and suction: About 15 minutes before a meal, put a few drops of saline (salt water) from a pharmacy into your baby's nostrils to loosen the mucus. Then, use a rubber bulb or oral suction device to gently remove the fluid and mucus from the baby's nose. This will make it easier for your baby to breathe.
  • Petroleum jelly: Apply a little petroleum jelly to the outside (under) of your baby's nostrils. The area may be red and dry from frequent nose blowing. But don't apply it inside the nostrils. (Don't use nasal sprays unless your doctor tells you to, as they can make the condition worse.)
  • Humidifier or vaporizer: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your baby's room. This will help reduce the dryness of the nose and throat. But make sure to clean and dry it thoroughly before using it. Otherwise, it can harbor bacteria and fungi, which can lead to more illnesses. Check to see if the filter needs to be changed. Do not use a vaporizer that emits hot steam, as it can cause burns.
  • Steam: If you don't have a humidifier, turn on the hot water in the bathroom, close the door, and take your baby and stay in the steamy room for about 15 minutes. (Do not leave the baby alone.) Giving your baby a hot bath can also help.

If your baby is not in any pain, let them play and work normally. If they have a fever or other complications, it is best to keep them home.

🛡️ How to prevent? (Prevention)

Although we can't 100% prevent getting a cold, there are many things we can do to reduce our risk:

❓ Things we can do to prevent colds

• Wash your hands often: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Especially before eating, before preparing food, after using the bathroom, after blowing your nose, and after touching someone who has a fever.
• Avoid touching your face: The virus is transmitted by touching your nose, mouth, and eyes with dirty hands. Reduce that habit.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces: Doorknobs, light switches, phones, and keyboards can harbor the virus. Wipe them down frequently.
• Use hand sanitizer: When soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol (at least 60%).
• Strengthen your immune system: Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods (vegetables, fruits), and exercise. This will prepare your body to resist illness.
• Stay home if you are sick: If you have a cold, stay home and rest to avoid infecting others.

❓ How to protect small babies from colds?

• Keep your baby away from sick people: The best thing you can do is not let your baby be around people who have a cold. Keep your baby at home as much as possible. What might be a normal cold for an adult can be serious for a baby.
• Hand washing: Adults who are around babies should wash their hands thoroughly after coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose. Also wash your hands after touching someone who has mucus. After wiping your baby's nose, wash your hands as well as your baby's hands.
• Keep toys clean: Clean toys regularly. Especially, do not share toys that babies put in their mouths with others.
• Sanitizer: If soap and water are not available, use wet wipes or sanitizer. (Keep sanitizer bottles out of reach of babies, as they are dangerous if swallowed.)
• Vaccinations: Get all your baby's immunizations at the appropriate ages. While they don't stop colds, they can help prevent complications like ear or lung infections that can develop from colds. The annual flu vaccine is recommended for babies over 6 months of age. The COVID-19 vaccine is also available from 6 months of age.

✅ How long does it take to recover? (Outlook / Prognosis)

❓ How long does a cold last?

Most colds resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days, with symptoms gradually decreasing.

❓ Can a cold be fatal?

In general, a cold is not a life-threatening illness for a healthy person. However, in people with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV-infected people, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients), people with respiratory diseases such as asthma, very young children, or the elderly, a cold can cause other serious complications. Such complications (as mentioned earlier, sinusitis, ear infections, pneumonia) can be life-threatening if severe.

🏠 What do you do when you catch a cold? (Living With / Self-Care)

❓ What are the best self-care remedies?

The best thing you can do when you have a cold is:

1. Rest: It's very important to give your body rest. If possible, stay home for a few days without going to work or school. This will not only give you a chance to rest, but will also prevent you from spreading the disease to others.
2. Drink fluids: To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of water, soups, porridge, and fruit juices (low in sugar). This will keep your nose and throat moist, which will help to drain mucus. Avoid drinks containing alcohol and caffeine (tea, coffee), as they can further dehydrate you.

About vitamins and other things: You may have heard that things like zinc, vitamin C, and echinacea can prevent or cure colds. But there is no scientific evidence that these can prevent colds. Although some studies suggest that taking zinc may shorten the duration of the illness and reduce symptoms, more confirmation is needed . Also, nasal sprays containing zinc should be avoided as they can permanently reduce your sense of smell. Taking vitamin C will not prevent colds, but it may reduce the duration of symptoms. The best thing to do is to eat a balanced diet.

❓ When should you see a doctor? (Adults)

See a doctor if you have these symptoms:

• High fever (over 102°F / 38.9°C)
• Chest pain
• Severe ear pain
• Worsening asthma or difficulty breathing
• Symptoms last more than 10 days or become severe
• Fever coming back

❓ My baby has a cold, when should I go to the doctor?

If your baby has these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately or go to the nearest hospital:

• High fever (fever over 100.4°F / 38°C, especially if the baby is under 3 months old)
• If you stop eating and drinking completely
• If you vomit
• If you feel like you have an ear or stomach ache
• If you cry more than usual
• If you are feeling more sleepy than usual
• If you are wheezing (wheezing)
• If you have difficulty breathing

❓ Additional Common Questions

❓ Does catching a cold during pregnancy affect pregnancy?

Getting a common cold during pregnancy is usually not dangerous. However, you should be very careful about the medications you take for your symptoms. Many OTC medications are not suitable during this time. Therefore, you should ask your doctor (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) which medications are safe. If you think you have influenza (flu) or have a fever, inform your doctor immediately. You may need urgent treatment.

❓ Why do more colds occur in the winter (rainy season in Sri Lanka)?

Although colds can occur at any time of the year, they are most common during cold weather (such as winter in Western countries and the rainy season in Sri Lanka). One reason is that during these times, people tend to be more confined to indoor spaces such as homes, offices, and classrooms, rather than outdoors. This makes it easier for the virus to spread. A recent study (using mice) found that when cold air lowers the temperature of the nose, the immune system is less able to stop the growth of rhinoviruses. Although more research is needed to determine whether this also applies to humans, it is possible that cold weather may have an indirect effect.

❓ What is the difference between a cold and COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses. Like the coronavirus that causes the common cold, the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged in 2019 causes COVID-19. While both affect the respiratory system, COVID-19 can affect the lungs and cause more severe conditions like pneumonia. Early symptoms of COVID-19 included fever, chills, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, and diarrhea . These were less common in the common cold. However, the symptoms of COVID-19 caused by the later Omicron variant are very similar to the common cold. Therefore, it can be difficult to distinguish them. Omicron also has symptoms such as runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, and nasal congestion . Therefore, if there is any doubt, it is wise to get tested for COVID-19.

❓ What is the difference between a cold and influenza (Flu)?

The symptoms of both are very similar, so it's easy to confuse them. Both are common during the winter/rainy season and affect the upper respiratory system. But they are caused by two different types of viruses. The common cold is caused by a combination of about 200 viruses, including rhinoviruses. The flu is caused by the influenza virus alone. The main difference is that when you get the flu, you usually have a high fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue. Adults rarely get a fever with a normal cough, but flu is more likely to have a fever with a cough (young children can get a fever with a cough). Flu symptoms are usually more severe than colds. Although both can cause complications, complications caused by flu (such as pneumonia) can sometimes be life-threatening.

❓ What is the difference between a common cold and chest cold/acute bronchitis?

"Chest Cold" or Acute Bronchitis is an inflammation (irritation) and accumulation of mucus in the bronchial tubes leading to the lungs. This condition occurs when a common cold virus travels from the nose, throat, and lungs. (It can also be caused by bacteria.) Just like with a normal cold, a chest cold can also cause a cough. However, a chest cold is a 'wet cough', meaning that mucus is produced when you cough. In addition, you may have symptoms such as a severe cough that keeps you awake at night, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.

✍️ Finally

A cold is a common, but often harmless, condition that resolves on its own in a few days. The best thing to do is rest and drink plenty of fluids. Although there are over-the-counter medications that can help reduce symptoms, antibiotics are not effective. You should be very careful when giving medicine to young children. It is also our responsibility to take care not to infect others when we are sick. If there is no improvement after 10 days or the symptoms are severe, be sure to seek medical advice. Stay healthy!