The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that usually lasts 7 days. It is caused by a number of viruses like rhinoviruses and parainfluenza viruses. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fatigue. While antibiotics are ineffective for treatment, over-the-counter medications can provide relief from symptoms. Good handwashing and covering coughs/sneezes are recommended for prevention. The common cold should be distinguished from influenza, which has a more abrupt onset and causes higher fevers and more severe body aches.

1. The Common Cold

2. Coryza
Common Cold Syndrome includes
rhinitis, tonsilitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis
(including croup), pharyngo-laryngitis
etc.
Sometimes Influenza (the flu)
sinusitis are characterized as a
common cold syndrome.
and

3. The Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection of the
upper respiratory tract
 Usually last approximately 7 days
 Associated with a number of viruses

– Ex. Rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses

Season 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

4. Mode of transmission
Very contagious
 Spread from person to person
 Usually from nasal secretions and from
fingers of the affected person
 Most contagious in the first 3 days after
symptoms begin
 Viruses can last up to 5 hours on the skin
and hard surfaces


5. Symptoms
Begins with a feeling of dryness and
stuffiness in the nasopharynx (nose)
 Nasal secretions (usually clear and watery)
 Watery eyes
 Red and swollen nasal mucous membranes
 Headache
 Generalized tiredness
 Chills (in severe cases)


6. Symptoms cont..
Fever (in severe cases)
 Exhaustion (in severe cases)
If the pharynx and larynx (throat) becomes
involved:

•
•
Sore throat
Hoarseness

7. Treatment of common cold
Antihistamines
 Decongestants
 Pain Relievers
 Cough suppressants
 Nasal Strips
 Antibiotics are ineffective!!!


8. When do I see the doctor?
See your doctor if you have:
 Temperature over 101 degrees for more
than 48 hours
 A cough with pain in the chest
 Shortness of breath
 Persistent sore throat, without a runny or
stuffy nose


9. Consult doctor if…
Your throat is very red and it hurts to
swallow
 No improvement within 7 days
 Severe headache with a fever
 Worsening pain in one or both ears
 Any chronic medical condition

– Ex. Asthma or diabetes

10. Prevention
GOOD HANDWASHING!
 Cough and sneeze into arm or tissue, not
into your hand
 Aerosol sprays (ex. Lysol)
 Antibacterial sanitizers (ex. Purell)


11. 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.

12. Comparison of Influenza
and the Common Cold

13. Features
Influenza
Common
cold
Onset
Abrupt
More gradual
Fever
Common
Uncommon
Myalgia
Severe common
Uncommon
Arthralgia
Severe common
Uncommon
Anorexia
Common
Uncommon
Headache
Severe common
Mild,
uncommon

14. Cough (dry)
Common severe
Mild to
moderate
Malaise
Severe
Mild
Fatigue,
weakness
More common
than with the
common cold
lasts 2 to 3 weeks
Very mild,
short lasting
Chest
discomfort
Common severe
Mild to
moderate
Stuffy nose
Occasional
Common
Sneezing
Occasional
Common
Sore throat
Occasional
Common

15. The common cold
may be caused
by more than
100 different viruses.

16. Medications can help
relieve cold symptoms, but
only time
can cure a cold.

17. 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.

18. 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.

20. Common cold
UP TO 6 COMMON
COLDS/YEAR IN ADULTS
AND 8 COMMON
COLDS/YEAR IN
CHILDRENS ACCEPTABLE.

21. Common Cold Viruses
VIRUSES
SEROTYPE
% COLD
RHINOVIRUS
+100
60
CORONAVIRUS
2
15
INFLUENZA
3
< 10
PARA
INFLUENZA
4
< 10
RSV
2
<10
ADENOVIRUS
47
< 10
ENTROVIRUS
+40
< 10

24. The end