Common Cold - Adult
A cold is a viral infection involving any or all of the nose, throat, sinuses, ears, larynx, bronchil tubes. Common symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, sore throat, cough, a slight fever, decreased appetite, fatigue and body aches. Colds are contagious during the first 3-4 days and are spread by coughs, sneezes and direct hand-to-hand contact. A cold is not caused by cold air or drafts. Your own body defenses will usually clear up a cold in 3-4 days, but some people may be sick for a week or two. Antibiotics cannot cure the common cold and can expose you to the risk of drug side effects.
There are things that can be done to make an adult with a cold feel better. Adequate rest, lots of clear fluids (cold or hot), acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ASA (Aspirin) in recommended doses and a vaporizer to humidify the air, all can help the symptoms. Your doctor may also suggest decongestants, medicated gargles, throat lozenges or cough syrops to ease the symptoms.
To minimize the chance of spreading your cold to others, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough and wash your hands often.
Symptoms which should make you see a doctor again: Throat pain which is getting more severe especially if white spots appear in the throat or on the tonsils; Swollen or tender glands in the neck; A fever above 38.5 C (103 F) which lasts more than 2 days; Shaking chills and sweats; Earache or severe headache or pain over the sinuses or teeth. Chest pain, shortness of breath or wheezing; A severe cough with thick yellow-green, greyish or bloody phlegm. A cough lasting longer than 10 days; A stiff neck, any body rash, extreme fatigue, bizarre behaviour; A blue or grey colour of the lips, skin or fingernails.
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