Head nurse

Head Cold

A head cold, also known as the common cold, is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract that primarily affects the nose. The symptoms include coughing, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and fever which usually resolve in seven to ten days, with some symptoms lasting up to three weeks.

Causes

Head colds are caused by a number of different types of viruses. The most common are rhinoviruses, but other viruses such as coronaviruses and influenza viruses can also cause head colds. Transmission of these viruses can occur through the air, close personal contact, or by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching the mouth or nose.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a head cold can vary from person to person, but they typically include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, a mild headache, and a sore throat. Some people may also experience fatigue, mild body aches, and a low-grade fever.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for a head cold. The focus of treatment is to relieve symptoms and include rest, hydration, and over-the-counter cold remedies. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, and thus are not used to treat head colds.

Prevention

Prevention of head colds involves good personal hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with people who have a cold. Vaccines are not available for the common cold as there are many different viruses that can cause the disease.

See also

• Common cold
• Influenza
• Rhinovirus
• Coronavirus