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Contents
  • A Viral Cocktail
  • Symptoms and Their Cause
  • The Spread of the Cold
  • Diagnosing the Common Cold

What Exactly Is the Common Cold?

What Exactly Is the Common Cold?

The Big Picture

The common cold is a widespread yet mild viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract. Despite its benign nature, it significantly impacts productivity and healthcare costs globally.
Contents
  • A Viral Cocktail
  • Symptoms and Their Cause
  • The Spread of the Cold
  • Diagnosing the Common Cold

A Viral Cocktail

More than 200 virus types can cause the common cold, with rhinoviruses being the most prevalent culprits, responsible for 30-50% of cases. Other viruses like coronaviruses and adenoviruses also play a role. New technologies continue to identify even more cold-causing viruses, reflecting the complexity of this condition.

Symptoms and Their Cause

The symptoms of a cold, such as a runny nose, sore throat, and cough, are largely due to the body's immune response rather than the virus itself. These symptoms vary by individual factors like age and existing health conditions. Usually, adults don't experience fever with a cold, but children might.
The common cold is a mild viral infection affecting the upper respiratory tract, primarily caused by rhinoviruses.

The Spread of the Cold

Cold viruses spread through hand contact, airborne droplets, and contaminated surfaces. The viruses can survive on skin for hours, making hand-to-hand transmission significant. Simple hygiene practices can help reduce the spread, although factors like recirculated air in airplanes are less impactful than once believed.

Diagnosing the Common Cold

Diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on symptoms like congestion and throat discomfort. While tests for viruses like SARS-CoV-2 are sometimes necessary, other viral tests aren't typically used. Nasal discharge color doesn't indicate the presence of bacterial infections.

FAQs

What causes the common cold?

The common cold is caused by over 200 types of viruses, primarily rhinoviruses.

How long do cold symptoms last?

Cold symptoms usually last 3 to 10 days, but can persist longer in smokers.

Can cold viruses spread through saliva?

Saliva is not an efficient means of spreading most cold viruses.

What role does stress play in colds?

Psychological stress can increase the risk of catching a cold.

How is the common cold diagnosed?

Diagnosis is clinical, based on observed symptoms without specific viral testing.

Final Thoughts

Despite being a minor illness, the common cold's economic and personal impacts are substantial.
Curious about how to manage your cold symptoms better? Talk to Doctronic today!
Additional References
  1. Turner RB. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of the common cold. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1997; 78:531.
  2. Fendrick AM, Monto AS, Nightengale B, Sarnes M. The economic burden of non-influenza-related viral respiratory tract infection in the United States. Arch Intern Med 2003; 163:487.
  3. Heikkinen T, Järvinen A. The common cold. Lancet 2003; 361:51.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.