Understanding Colds: Symptoms, Remedies, Prevention

Colds are viral infections affecting the upper respiratory tract, typically causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and sore throat. They are usually mild and self-limiting.
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Common Cold Virus | Seasonal Illnesses | Respiratory Infections | Common Cold | Cold Symptoms | Cold Prevention
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Colds FAQ


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What is a common cold?

The common cold is precisely that — common. In fact, adults have an average of 2 to 3 colds every year. That means most people know what a cold is as soon as symptoms begin to develop. Colds can be quite uncomfortable. Symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, headache, cough, and loss of smell or taste can make for a miserable few days.

Why is it called a cold?

The name "cold" came into use in the 16th century, due to the similarity between its symptoms and those of exposure to cold weather. In the United Kingdom, the Common Cold Unit (CCU) was set up by the Medical Research Council in 1946 and it was where the rhinovirus was discovered in 1956.

What are the symptoms of a cold?

The viruses that cause colds are spread by sneezing, coughing and hand contact. 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.

How long does it take to get a cold?

1 to 3 days. From about 1 day before symptoms begin and for the first 5 days of the illness. There is no specific antiviral treatment for the viruses which cause colds. However, paracetamol and other medications available from pharmacies may provide relief of symptoms.

Colds References

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