Blog

11/13/2019

The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It’s usually mild, although it might not feel that way for the time being. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold.
Children younger than 6 are at greatest risk of colds, but healthy adults can also expect to have two or three colds yearly.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of a common cold usually appear one to three days after contact to a cold-causing virus. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Congestion
• Slight body aches or a mild headache
• Sneezing
• Low-grade fever
• Generally feeling unwell

CAUSES

Although many types of viruses can cause a common cold, rhinoviruses are the most common culprit.

A cold virus enters your body through your mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks.

It also spreads by hand-to-hand contact with someone who has a cold or by sharing contaminated objects, such as utensils, towels, toys or telephones. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after such contact or exposure, you’re likely to catch a cold.

PREVENTION

There’s no vaccine for the common cold, but you can take precautions to slow the spread of cold viruses:

• Wash your hands
• Disinfect your workplace, home, car, etc.
• Use tissues

Teach children to sneeze or cough into the bend of their elbow when they don’t have a tissue. That way they cover their mouths without using their hands.

• Don’t share drinking glasses or utensils
• Steer clear of anyone who may already have a cold

Take care of yourself. Eating well, getting exercise & sleep, drinking water and managing stress might help you keep the common cold away.

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat today at: 732-280-7855