As winter settles in across Australia, so does the annual influenza season, bringing the familiar buzz of health advice and precautions. From June through September, healthcare gears up to tackle the challenges of influenza and other common respiratory viruses, including the common cold.
common cold
The common cold is caused by viruses that inflame the nose and throat membranes. Over 200 viruses can trigger it, with rhinoviruses being the most common culprit. The common cold is highly contagious and typically spreads through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Respiratory viruses spread through droplets in the air. Large respiratory droplets can travel approximately 6 feet from a sneeze (Dhand & Li, 2020).
Stage 1:
The common cold has stages indicated by changes in symptoms. Within 1-3 days of infection, the common cold will impact the upper respiratory system. Symptoms will include runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, or sneezing. These symptoms are not just signs of illness but also a clear indication of your body’s natural defence mechanisms at work, attempting to flush the virus out of the body through increased mucus production.
Stage 2:
The active stage is typically 4-7 days. Stage 2 is when your symptoms will be prominent and more intense. Symptoms can include body aches, headaches, fatigue or fever.
Stage 3:
This is the final stage, around 8-10 days after the infection. Typically, people start to feel better, and their symptoms reduce. It’s important to remember that these symptoms are temporary, and with time, you will fully recover. However, residual nasal congestion or cough may be present due to remaining mucus.
management:
Currently, there is no cure or way to shorten the duration of the common cold. However, the following treatments can help alleviate symptoms:
- Rest
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Over-the-counter medications such as pain relief or expectorants
- Applying petroleum jelly to soothe raw, chapped skin around the nose and lips
- Using warm steam to relieve congestion
Since colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics are ineffective against them. Antibiotics are only helpful in treating bacterial infections.
However, if you are unsure if the infection is a virus or bacterial, please seek medical advice.
References:
Dhand, R and Li, J. 2020, ‘Coughs and Sneezes: Their Role in Transmission of Respiratory Viral Infections, Including SARS-CoV-2’ American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine