What is “the Common Cold”?

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By Dr.Prater

Although the lethargic winter illness with a runny nose, cough, and sore throat is known as the common cold, it is actually not common at all.

Colds can be caused by more than 200 different viruses. The most common of which is the rhinovirus, of which there are more than 100 different types. Approximately one-third of all colds are caused by rhinoviruses and they tend to get the fame for causing the illness. Other cold viruses include adenovirus and respiratory syncitial virus (RSV), which is common in young children. This variety is why a vaccine is not available and why people often suffer through multiple colds in a season.

What is common about colds is how they manifest. Cold viruses infect the upper respiratory tract, resulting in the runny nose, cough, and sore throat. Sneezing occurs because of the irritation in the mucus membrane of the nose. Coughing and sneezing are both reflexes to clear the throat and nose, respectively, of an irritant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend sneezing into the crook of your elbow into the clothing to prevent spreading the viruses.

As most people know, other symptoms of a cold are body aches and headaches, that general sense of not feeling well. This is the body’s immune response fighting the virus and why the feeling starts to edge in before the respiratory symptoms appear, the body knows there is an invader before it has taken hold as an infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers should dissipate some of these symptoms. The CDC recommends seeking medical attention for children who do not respond to over-the-counter medications, and the labels should be read well to ensure acetaminophen and antihistamines are not given in too high of a dose. Children should not receive more than one medication at a time to avoid an accidental overdose.

For the most part, viruses simply have to run their course. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, but they may be used to fight off secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia and ear infections, that may occur when the body is down with a severe cold. Children with a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit or symptoms lasting more than 10 days should be seen by a doctor.

To help prevent a cold, wash your hands regularly with warm water and mild soap, use hand sanitizers with a minimum 60% alcohol concentration, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and avoid contact with people who have respiratory infections. Although these things may work towards preventing a cold, there are hundreds of common viruses capable of causing the misery, and it is not entirely preventable.

The copyright of the article, "What is “the Common Cold”?," in "Interesting Health Articles & Facts " is owned by Alicia M Prater, PhD. Permission to republish this article in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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