Common Cold
What is a Cold?
A cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose, sinuses, Eustachian tubes and lungs) caused by a virus.
All viruses are contagious and might have similar symptoms such as: elevated temperature, enlarged tonsils and glands.
Virusus are often named for the area of the upper respiratory tract that is affecte such as: rhinitis refers to the nose; pharyngitis refers to the throat; laryngitis refers to the voice box and bronchitis refers to the lungs.
How do you catch a Cold?
A cold may be caused by one of over 100 different viruses, however there are a number of conditions that will increase your susceptibility (how likely you are to catch a cold). People appear to catch colds mainly indoors, because of the close proximity to other people's cold viruses.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually last three to ten days. On day three and four your symptoms are usually peaked. Your symptoms will change as the cold progresses. You might expect:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Lack of energy
- Achy
- Headache
Ways to Feel Better
While you cannot cure a cold, you can treat the symptoms you are having with:
- Rest
- Plenty of fluids (at least 8-10 glasses a day but, avoid milk-it will thicken secretions)
- Nasal decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Throat lozenges or hard candy
- Cough syrup
- Vaporizer (cool mist)
- Analgesics for the "aches"
Ways to Stay Healthy
- Avoid close contact with people who have colds and are coughing or sneezing
- Eat well-balanced meals
- Get plenty of rest
- Good hand washing (especially in crowded areas, i.e. schools, stores, theaters, etc.)
Reasons to Seek Additional Medical Help
- Loose productive cough where phlegm is yellow, green or gray
- Fever over 101 degrees for a day of more
- Severe sore throat with white or yellow spots on tonsils or other parts of the throat
- Constant cough
- Shaking chills
- Earache or severe headache
- Pain in sinus area under or over eyes
- Problems breathing
- Enlarged glands in neck
- Skin rash
Is it a Virus, Bacteria, or Allergy?
Self Care kits for colds are kept in the RA office of your Residence Hall and the Office of Security for prompt availability.
