Common Cold – Symptoms and Causes
The common cold is an illness that affects the nose and throat. It’s caused by viruses and is generally harmless, though symptoms can be uncomfortable.
Adults typically experience two to three colds annually, while children tend to get sick more frequently. Most people recover within 7–10 days, though smokers may have longer-lasting symptoms.
Key Facts About Colds:
- They are upper respiratory tract infections
- Caused by viruses, not bacteria
- Generally don’t require medical attention
Medical care is usually unnecessary for common colds. However, you should contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve after the expected recovery period.
Signs and Symptoms
Cold symptoms typically begin one to three days after virus exposure. They may include:
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
- Sore or Scratchy Throat
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- General Discomfort
- Mild Body Aches or Headache
- Low-grade Fever
Your nasal discharge might start clear and later become thicker, with a yellow or green color. This change is normal and usually doesn’t indicate a bacterial infection.
When Medical Care Is Needed
Adults rarely need to see a doctor for a common cold. However, contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve
- Fever above 101.3°F (38.5°C) lasting more than three days
- Fever that returns after going away
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing sounds when breathing
- Severe throat pain, headache, or sinus discomfort
Children with colds typically recover without medical intervention. Seek immediate care if your child shows:
| Age Group | Warning Signs |
|---|---|
| Babies (0-12 weeks) | Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher |
| Any age | Fever lasting more than two days or getting higher |
| Any age | Severe symptoms (intense headache, throat pain, cough) |
| Any age | Breathing difficulties or wheezing |
| Any age | Ear pain |
| Any age | Unusual fussiness or sleepiness |
| Any age | Poor appetite |
Causes
The common cold comes from many different viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most frequent culprit. These viruses enter your body through openings in your face—your mouth, eyes, or nose.
Cold viruses spread in several ways:
- Airborne droplets: When someone with a cold coughs, sneezes, or talks.
- Direct contact: Shaking hands or touching someone infected with a cold.
- Contaminated objects: Using shared items like dishes, toys, phones, or towels.
- Self-infection: Touching your face after contacting a virus.
The virus can survive on surfaces for hours, making it easy to transfer from everyday objects to people.
Risk Factors
Several factors can raise your chances of catching a cold:
Age: Young children, especially babies and toddlers in daycare, have higher risks than adults.
Immune System Strength: People with ongoing health problems or weakened immune systems get sick more easily.
Season: Fall and winter months bring more colds for everyone.
Smoking: Being a smoker or breathing secondhand smoke makes you more likely to catch colds.
Crowded Places: Spending time in packed areas like schools, airplanes, or busy offices increases your exposure to cold viruses.
Possible Complications
Several health issues may develop while you have a cold. If you notice ear pain or a recurring fever after a cold, you might have a middle ear infection. This happens when fluid builds up behind the eardrum due to viruses or bacteria.
Colds can trigger breathing problems, especially in people with asthma. Even if you don’t have asthma, you might experience wheezing during a cold.
If your cold lingers, it could lead to the development of sinusitis. This condition causes swelling and pain in the air-filled spaces around your nose and above your eyes. Either viruses or bacteria can cause this problem.
Your cold might lead to more serious lung conditions like:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
People with weakened immune systems or asthma face higher risks for these complications. Watch for symptoms that worsen or last longer than expected.
Prevention
Preventing the common cold is easier than treating it. While there’s no vaccine, you can take several steps to reduce your chances of catching or spreading cold viruses.
Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit is one of the most effective ways to stop cold viruses from spreading.
If soap isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
Teach children proper hand-washing techniques early. Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, as these are common entry points for cold viruses.
Clean Your Environment
Make it a habit to regularly disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched throughout your home. These include:
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Electronics
- Kitchen countertops
- Bathroom surfaces
This is particularly important when someone in your household has a cold. Don’t forget to wash children’s toys regularly, as they can harbor germs.
Respiratory Etiquette
Always cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it away immediately and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue handy, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow rather than your hands.
Avoid Sharing Personal Items
Don’t share drinking glasses, eating utensils, towels, or other personal items with family members, especially when someone has a cold. These items can easily transfer viruses from person to person.
Practice Social Distancing
Keep your distance from people who are sick with colds. When possible, avoid crowded places during cold and flu season. If you must be in crowds, be extra careful not to touch your face.
Child Care Considerations
If you have children in daycare, review the facility’s health policies. Look for centers that:
- Have strong hygiene practices
- Enforce clear sick-child policies
- Require ill children to stay home
- Clean toys and surfaces regularly
Strengthen Your Immune System
A healthy lifestyle can help your body fight off cold viruses more effectively.
| Immune-Boosting Habits | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Balanced diet | Provides necessary nutrients |
| Regular exercise | Improves circulation and immune function |
| Adequate sleep | Allows the body to repair and strengthen |
| Stress management | Reduces harmful effects of stress hormones |
Getting enough sleep is crucial because lack of sleep can weaken your immune system, making you more likely to catch colds.
Special Considerations for Children
Children typically get more colds than adults because their immune systems are still developing. They also tend to be less careful about hygiene and often put their hands in their mouths.
For children, focus on:
- Teaching proper hand-washing
- Demonstrating good cough/sneeze habits
- Keeping them home when sick to prevent spreading germs
