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