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Understanding the Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that usually lasts 7 days. It is very contagious and spreads from person to person through nasal secretions or contact with infected surfaces. Good handwashing and coughing/sneezing into the elbow are effective ways to prevent spreading colds. Common cold symptoms include a stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and tiredness. Over-the-counter medications can provide relief but antibiotics are ineffective as colds are caused by viruses. People should see a doctor if symptoms persist longer than a week or include a high fever, chest pain, or sore throat.

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Kim Jadesh
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177 views9 pages

Understanding the Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that usually lasts 7 days. It is very contagious and spreads from person to person through nasal secretions or contact with infected surfaces. Good handwashing and coughing/sneezing into the elbow are effective ways to prevent spreading colds. Common cold symptoms include a stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and tiredness. Over-the-counter medications can provide relief but antibiotics are ineffective as colds are caused by viruses. People should see a doctor if symptoms persist longer than a week or include a high fever, chest pain, or sore throat.

Uploaded by

Kim Jadesh
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

The Common Cold

Jrat Bendikait

The Common Cold


The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract Usually last approximately 7 days 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

Common Cold Statistics

Adults have 2-4 colds per year Children may have up to 10 colds per year

How does it spread?


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

Preventing spread of common cold


GOOD HANDWASHING! Cough and sneeze into arm or tissue, not into your hand Aerosol sprays Antibacterial sanitizers

Symptoms
Begins with a feeling of dryness and stuffiness in the nose Nasal secretions (usually clear and watery) Watery eyes Red and swollen nasal mucous membranes Headache Generalized tiredness

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 39 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

See the 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 (Asthma or diabetes)

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