Common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection which is caused by many viruses. The common virus which causes cold is rhinovirus. 50% cold is caused by this virus. The common cold is transmitted by infected airborne droplets or by contact with an infected secretions.
Symptoms of the common cold include:
There are different types of viruses which causes common colds. And the each person’s immunity varies from person to person. So there are different stages of colds according to person’s immunity and resistance for the disease.
The common cold is transmitted by infected airborne droplets or by direct contact with infected secretions. Being in cold weather does not cause the common cold. Symptoms of the common cold include cough, sore throat, sneezing, and runny nose. Over-the-counter medications may be used for treatment of the common cold. Antibiotics are not necessary for the common cold. The common cold is a self-limited disease that can generally be managed at home. The common cold has no cure, and there is no available vaccine.
Some of the common symptoms of common cold are:
- Common cold
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Watery eyes
- Fatigue
- Headache
Causes of common colds:
Common cold is self- limited but contagious disease, which is caused by many viruses. But common virus is rhinovirus which is responsible for 10-40% cold. Other viruses which causes common cold are adenovirus, parainfluenza, coronavirus. There are so many viruses which causes common cold hence immunity to resist common cold is not developed yet. For this reason common cold is frequent and recurring problem.
Cold affect frequently to school children than adults. The common cold bouts found in children between 6-12 times and in adults 2-4 times annually.
Complications of common cold:
- Bronchitis
- Sinusitis
- Asthma attack
- Ear infection