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The Common Cold

The Common Cold. Created by VSU Student Health Center. 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

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The Common Cold

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  1. The Common Cold Created by VSU Student Health Center

  2. 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

  3. Common Cold Statistics • Adults have 2-4 colds per year • Children may have up to 10 colds per year

  4. 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

  5. Preventing spread of • GOOD HANDWASHING! • Cough and sneeze into arm or tissue, not into your hand • Aerosol sprays (ex. Lysol) • Antibacterial sanitizers (ex. Purell)

  6. 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)

  7. Symptoms cont.. • Fever (in severe cases) • Exhaustion (in severe cases) If the pharynx and larynx (throat) becomes involved: • Sore throat • Hoarseness

  8. Treatment of common cold • Antihistamines • Decongestants • Pain Relievers • Cough suppressants • Nasal Strips • Antibiotics are ineffective!!!

  9. 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

  10. 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 • Ex. Asthma or diabetes

  11. Source • Cooley, B. & McNeely, M. (1996). ETR Associates. Santa Cruz, CA. www.etr.org.

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