What is a Cold?

A cold is a contagious upper respiratory infection that affects your nose, throat, sinuses and trachea (windpipe). More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, but most colds are caused by a rhinovirus.

Colds spread from person to person. For you to become infected, the virus has to get to one of your mucous membranes – the moist lining of the nostrils, eyes or mouth. That happens when you touch a surface or breathe moist air that contains the cold virus. For example, when a sick person sneezes or coughs, droplets of fluid containing the cold virus are launched into the air. If you breathe in those droplets, the cold virus takes root in your nose. You can also leave virus particles on surfaces you touch when you're sick. If someone else touches those surfaces and then touches their nostrils, eyes or mouth, the virus can get in.

Because young children haven't been exposed to viruses before, they get more colds than adults. Their immune systems have to learn how to recognize and deal with these new germs. By the time you become an adult, you've had many colds. It's easier for your immune system to identify and attack similar viruses.
Children are also in close contact with other children. Kids typically don't cover their coughs and sneezes or wash their hands before touching their faces - steps that prevent the virus from spreading.

Within one to three days of picking up a cold virus, you'll get symptoms like:

• Sneezing.
• Runny nose.
• Cough.
• Sore throat.
• Headache.
• Nasal congestion.
• Fever (most common in children).

Typically, an exam is enough to determine if you have a cold. During a physical exam, your healthcare provider will check for signs such as:

• Swelling in the nostrils.
• Stuffy nose.
• Red, irritated throat.
• Swollen lymph nodes (lumps) in the neck.
• Clear lungs.

You may need tests if your provider suspects you have the flu or another condition. Your provider may give you a nasal swab test (cotton swab rubbed inside your nose) to test for the flu virus. Chest X-rays rule out bronchitis or pneumonia.

There's no cure for a cold. You have to let it run its course. Over-the-counter medications can reduce your symptoms to keep you more comfortable until you recover.

Antibiotics are medications that fight infections caused by bacteria. Because viruses cause colds, antibiotics don't work for colds.
Medications that relieve cold symptoms include:

• Pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil®) relieve headaches and fever.
• Decongestants: Drugs like pseudoephedrine (Contac Cold 12 Hour® and Sudafed®) and phenylephrine (Sudafed®) are intended to reduce stuffiness.
• Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) and other antihistamines stop sneezing and a runny nose.
• Cough suppressants: Medications such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin® and Vicks DayQuil Cough®) and codeine reduce coughing.
• Expectorants: Guaifenesin (Mucinex®) and other expectorants thin and loosen mucus.

There are several steps you can take to prevent a cold including:

• Wash your hands, especially before eating or preparing food. You also want to wash your hands after using the bathroom, wiping your nose or coming in contact with someone who has a cold.
• Avoid touching your face. Cold viruses spread from your hands to your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean frequently used surfaces. Viruses can live on doorknobs and other places people often touch.
• Use hand sanitizers when you can't wash your hands with soap and water.
• Strengthen your immune system so your body is ready to fight off germs. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet Antibiotics are medications that fight infections caused by bacteria. Because viruses cause colds, antibiotics don't work for colds.

You can be contagious for up to two weeks, even spreading a cold a day or two before you have symptoms. But you're most contagious when your symptoms are at their worst - usually the first three days you feel sick.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

• High fever.
• Chest pain.
• Ear pain.
• Asthma flare-up.
• Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days or getting worse.

Seek medical care if your child:

• Develops a high fever.
• Stops eating.
• Cries more than usual.
• Has ear or stomach pain.
• Starts wheezing.
• Is sleepier than usual.

Although they cause discomfort, colds are usually harmless. You can manage the symptoms with medications. Speed up your recovery by getting plenty of rest and fluids, and avoid being around others. If you don't feel better in 10 days, see your healthcare provider.