Colds

What are colds? Colds (or upper respiratory tract infections) are the most common cause of illness in children and adults.

Most colds are caused by a virus

There are over 200 types of viruses that can cause the common cold, which is why it’s not possible to be immunised against a cold.

What causes colds? Colds are more common in the winter months

Cold weather by itself does not increase the chance of getting a cold.

People are in closer contact with each other at this time of year, because they stay indoors, and so are more likely to infect each other. The viruses that cause colds are spread by sneezing, coughing and hand contact. The symptoms of a cold include various combinations of: loss of appetite and, sometimes, nausea and vomiting.

The actual symptoms will vary from person to person and from illness to illness. Usually, the symptoms will last from a few days to a week or more, and you recover fully without any ongoing problems.

There is no cure for the common cold

There is no specific treatment that will make the cold go away more quickly. Symptoms can be relieved in a number of ways: Paracetamol can be given in appropriate doses if fever is present.

Drink plenty of fluids

Nasal drops or spray will ease a blocked nose.

Throat lozenges

There is no need for bed rest if your child has a cold – let the child decide how much activity they want to take part in. Appetite will return as the child starts to feel better. necessary and should be avoided: – colds are caused by a virus and antibiotics will not help, even though they are often prescribed.

– these are of no benefit. The cough is caused by irritation of the trachea (windpipe) or excess mucus, and cough medicine does not affect either of these symptoms. – preparations that can be bought over the counter at the chemist are usually not helpful and should be avoided.

Reye’s syndrome.

get better without any specific treatment

See the doctor if you or your child: shows any other signs that you are worried about. It is difficult to avoid getting upper respiratory infections. There is no value in taking vitamins in the mistaken belief that this will increase resistance.

There are some ways you can try to prevent getting a cold. Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, using soap and water or use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Wash your hands when you get home, arrive at other people’s homes, at venues or at work.

Wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or using the toilet. Cover your nose or mouth with a tissue, then throw it away and wash your hands.

If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Other tips include:

• Do not share drink bottles glasses crockery or cutlery other than with people you live with. Keep your distance – stay 1.5 metres away from people where you can

Do not go to work, childcare or school if you are sick.

Watch this video about hand hygiene

The symptoms to watch out for are:

• runny nose. (24 hours
• days) Tel. Symptoms of colds a stuffy or runny nose sneezing sore throat cough headache red eyes swelling of lymph glands fever (occasionally) There is no cure
• but symptoms can be relieved Children with a cold don’t need bed rest Although children are unlikely to be hungry
• make sure they drink lots of fluids Don’t use medications These treatments are not Antibiotics Cough medicines Cold remedies
• tablets Aspirin – do not When to see the doctor Virtually all upper respiratory tract infections refuses to drink fluids vomits frequently complains of intense headache is pale
• however mild
• you should seek advice
• get tested immediately To get further advice
• see your general practitioner loss or change in sense of smell or taste fever chills or sweats cough sore throat shortness of breath Some people may also experience headache
• muscle soreness stuffy nose nausea
• diarrhoea Where to get help In an emergency
• always call 911 Your GP (doctor) NURSE-ON-CALL (616) 555-0024 – for expert health information
• advice Your pharmacist

Key Points

• Most colds are caused by a virus
• What causes colds? Colds are more common in the winter months
• viruses that cause colds are spread by sneezing, coughing and hand contact
• symptoms of a cold include various combinations of: loss of appetite and, sometimes, nausea and vomiting
• actual symptoms will vary from person to person and from illness to illness