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