Common

Common cold

The common cold, also known simply as a cold, is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract that primarily affects the nose. The throat, sinuses, and larynx may also be affected. Signs and symptoms may appear less than two days after exposure to the virus. These may include coughing, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, headache, and fever. People usually recover in seven to ten days, but some symptoms may last up to three weeks. Occasionally, those with other health problems may develop pneumonia.

Causes

More than 200 virus types are implicated in causing the common cold, with rhinoviruses being the most common. They spread through the air during close contact with infected individuals or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth. Risk factors include going to child care facilities, not sleeping well, and psychological stress.

Prevention

Prevention involves hand washing, avoiding sick people, and not touching the face. There is no vaccine to prevent the common cold. The primary method of prevention is to wash hands frequently, avoid touching the face, especially the nose and mouth, and to avoid close contact with sick individuals.

Treatment

The common cold is a self-limiting condition, meaning it resolves by itself without the need for medical treatment. Management involves symptom relief, such as taking over-the-counter medication, drinking plenty of fluids, and resting. Antibiotics should not be used as they are ineffective against viruses and may lead to harmful side effects and antibiotic resistance.

Epidemiology

The common cold is the most frequent infectious disease in humans with the average adult contracting two to three colds a year and children six to eight. Nearly everyone recovers fully. The common cold leads to more doctor visits and missed days from school and work than any other illness in the United States.

History

The common cold has been with humanity since ancient times. Its symptoms and treatment are described in the Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian medical papyrus dating to the 16th century BCE. Throughout history, various remedies have been proposed, but it was not until the 20th century that the role of viruses in causing the disease was identified.

Society and Culture

The economic impact of the common cold is not insignificant, with millions of dollars spent annually on over-the-counter medications, healthcare visits, and missed days of work. Despite its prevalence, the common cold remains a topic of research, particularly in understanding the immune response to rhinovirus infections and the development of potential vaccines.