4 minute read
Colds
The common cold is a mild, viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract that primarily affects the nose. The throat, sinuses, and larynx can also be affected. Signs and symptoms may begin less than two days following exposure. People usually recover in seven to ten days, but some symptoms may last up to three weeks. For most, the symptoms can be easily managed at home with OTC medication. Colds do not respond to antibiotics because they are caused by a virus. The common cold is the most frequent infectious disease in humans; the average adult gets two to four colds a year, while the average child may get six to eight. Colds occur more commonly during the Winter.
The main symptoms of a cold
• Sore throat • Blocked or runny nose • Sneezing • A cough More severe symptoms, including a high temperature (fever), headache and aching muscles can also occur, although these tend to be associated more with flu.
How do colds spread?
In general, a person becomes contagious from a few days before their symptoms begin until all their symptoms have gone. This means most people will be infectious for around two weeks. The virus from an infectious person by: • Touching an object or surface contaminated by infected droplets and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes. • Touching the skin of someone who has the infected droplets on their skin and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes. • Inhaling tiny droplets of fluid that contain the cold virus – these are launched into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Colds spread most easily among groups of people in constant close contact, such as families and children in school or day care facilities. They’re also more frequent during the winter, although it’s not clear exactly why. Several different viruses can cause a cold, so it’s possible to have several colds one after the other, as each one may be caused by a different virus.
Treating a cold
There’s no cure for a cold, but most people can look after themselves at home by: • Resting, drinking plenty of fluids and eating healthily. • Taking OTC painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to reduce any fever or discomfort. • Using decongestant sprays or tablets to relieve a blocked nose.
• Medicated lozenges can provide relief from sore throats.
When to Refer for Further Advice
People whose symptoms persist for more than three weeks or have symptoms which get suddenly worse should see their GP. People with respiratory problems and breathing difficulties should also seek advice.
High fever – A high temperature above 39°C that does not come down when treated with ibuprofen and/or paracetamol.
Signs that may suggest a more serious condition
People purchasing OTC medication for colds should be advised of the following warning signs: • Effect on day to day life - they are confused or disorientated.
• If they notice a sharp pain in the chest. • If they are experiencing difficulty breathing. • Cough up blood-stained phlegm. • If they notice a swelling of the glands in the neck and/or armpits. • Their symptoms last longer than 3 weeks. People should be advised to consult their GP if they notice any of these warning signs, which may suggest that their symptoms could possibly be caused by a more serious underlying condition or may require medical attention.
Preventing the spread of a cold
• Wash your hands regularly, particularly before touching your nose or mouth and before handling food. • always sneeze and cough into tissues – this will help prevent the virus-containing droplets from your nose and mouth entering the air, where they can infect others; you should throw away used tissues immediately and wash your hands. • clean surfaces regularly to keep them free of germs. • use your own cup, plates, cutlery and kitchen utensils.
• don’t share towels or toys with someone who has a cold.
• It’s been suggested that vitamin C, zinc and garlic supplements may help reduce your risk of getting a cold, but there’s currently not enough strong evidence to support this.
Common Cold Myths
Feed a cold, starve a fever – Cold symptoms supress the appetite and force-feeding won’t help. It is more important to stay hydrated and get enough calories. You’ll get sick if don’t wear a coat - Colds and flu are caused by viruses. They do circulate during cold weather, but are more likely to be picked inside than out. Going outside and getting more physical activity, not just during cold and flu season is actually more likely to help prevent sickness.
A wet head can make you catch a cold –
Apart from feeling physically cold as a result of going outside with wet hair, it will not cause a person to catch a cold. Again, this is because colds are caused by a virus.
WWho: Anyone, more commonly in Autumn and Winter
WWhat are the symptoms? Runny nose, headache, sinus pain affecting
the forehead, cheeks, and nose, nasal discharge, nasal congestion, fever, scratchy or sore throat
HHow long have they had symptoms? If the onset is immediate it is more
likely to be flu
AAction already taken? The customer may have already purchased
OTC products
MMedication: It is important not to take various medications
