The Common Cold
Coryza
Common Cold Syndrome includes
rhinitis, tonsilitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis
(including croup), pharyngo-laryngitis
etc.
Sometimes Influenza (the flu) and
sinusitis are characterized as a
common cold syndrome.
The Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection of the
upper respiratory tract
Usually last approximately 7 days
Associated with a number of viruses
– Ex. Rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses
Season of the year, age, and prior exposure
are important factors in the type of virus
causing the infection and the type of
symptoms that may occur
Mode of transmission
Very contagious
Spread from person to person
Usually from nasal secretions and from
fingers of the affected person
Most contagious in the first 3 days after
symptoms begin
Viruses can last up to 5 hours on the skin
and hard surfaces
Symptoms
Begins with a feeling of dryness and
stuffiness in the nasopharynx (nose)
Nasal secretions (usually clear and watery)
Watery eyes
Red and swollen nasal mucous membranes
Headache
Generalized tiredness
Chills (in severe cases)
Symptoms cont..
Fever (in severe cases)
Exhaustion (in severe cases)
If the pharynx and larynx (throat) becomes
involved:
• Sore throat
• Hoarseness
Treatment of common cold
Antihistamines
Decongestants
Pain Relievers
Cough suppressants
Nasal Strips
Antibiotics are ineffective!!!
When do I see the doctor?
See your doctor if you have:
Temperature over 101 degrees for more
than 48 hours
A cough with pain in the chest
Shortness of breath
Persistent sore throat, without a runny or
stuffy nose
Consult doctor if…
Your throat is very red and it hurts to
swallow
No improvement within 7 days
Severe headache with a fever
Worsening pain in one or both ears
Any chronic medical condition
– Ex. Asthma or diabetes
Prevention
GOOD HANDWASHING!
Cough and sneeze into arm or tissue, not
into your hand
Aerosol sprays (ex. Lysol)
Antibacterial sanitizers (ex. Purell)
Common Cold Syndrome
is a general term of acute
inflammatory disease of the
upper respiratory tracts such
as nasal cavity, tonsils,
pharynx and larynx etc.
Comparison of Influenza
and the Common Cold
Features Influenza Common
cold
Onset Abrupt More gradual
Fever Common Uncommon
Myalgia Severe common Uncommon
Arthralgia Severe common Uncommon
Anorexia Common Uncommon
Headache Severe common Mild,
uncommon
Cough (dry) Common severe Mild to
moderate
Malaise Severe Mild
Fatigue, More common Very mild,
weakness than with the short lasting
common cold
lasts 2 to 3 weeks
Chest Common severe Mild to
discomfort moderate
Stuffy nose Occasional Common
Sneezing Occasional Common
Sore throat Occasional Common
The common cold
may be caused
by more than
100 different viruses.
Medications can help
relieve cold symptoms, but
only time
can cure a cold.
Although many people are
convinced that a cold results
from:
1. exposure to cold weather
2. from getting chilled or
overheated
3. fatigue, or sleep deprivation.
these conditions have little or
no effect on the development or
severity of a cold.
On the other hand, research suggests
that :
psychological stress
allergic disorders affecting
the nasal passages or
throat
menstrual cycles
may have an impact
on a person's
susceptibility to colds.
Common cold
UP TO 6 COMMON
COLDS/YEAR IN ADULTS
AND 8 COMMON
COLDS/YEAR IN
CHILDRENS ACCEPTABLE.
Common Cold Viruses
VIRUSES SEROTYPE % COLD
RHINOVIRUS +100 60
CORONAVIRUS 2 15
INFLUENZA 3 < 10
PARA 4 < 10
INFLUENZA
RSV 2 <10
ADENOVIRUS 47 < 10
ENTROVIRUS +40 < 10
The end
