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• The Common Cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract, mostly in the nose and throat. The common cold is generally harmless but may be dangerous for infants and other high-risk groups. Adults experience colds less frequently than children, due to having a more developed immune system.

• Fast Facts

  1. Contagious first 2 or 3 days
  2. Symptoms can appear in 10 hours NIAID Symptoms, Common Cold
  3. Cold symptoms milder than flu
  4. No evidence exists that Vitamin C prevents colds Quackwatch [http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/DSH/colds.html Vitamin C: Do High Doses Prevent Colds?
  5. Fever may run up to 102 degrees in children NIAID Symptoms, Common Cold
  6. Rhinoviruses cause 30-35% of colds in adults NIAID Causes, Common Cold
  7. The United States suffers from an estimated billion colds each year
  8. Children average 6-10 colds annually NIAID Overview, Common Cold
  9. Adults average 2-4 colds yearly
  10. Symptoms should improve in two weeks NIAID Symptoms, Common Cold

• Causes

  The common cold is more likely to occur in the cooler months typically August through April because people tend to stay indoors more and germs accumulate. No research has proven yet if weather actually causes colds. One theory states the chilling of the body makes it more prone to illness. The common cold is spread by more than 200 viruses and is highly contagious. You can catch a cold by coming in contact with an infected individual. Cold symptoms appear one to three days after being exposed to viruses.

• Cure

  There is currently no cure for the common cold. The best way to stop colds is prevention. Start by washing your hands often. Throw away old tissues as not to spread germs. Keep away from infected persons as much as possible. Never touch anything used by them. Don't cover your coughs and sneezes with hands. It will only spread germs. If you get sick, drink plenty of fluids and get rest.

• Symptoms

  1. Sore throat
  2. Sneezing
  3. Headache
  4. Coughing
  5. Runny nose
  6. Fever

• Prevention

  1. Wash hands frequently
  2. Avoid people with colds
  3. Disinfect objects like door handles, stair rails and telephones
  4. Maintain healthy diet

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have a Common Cold, please consult your doctor.

• Related Pages

  How to Treat a Cold | Swine Flu | Allergies | Vitamin C | Health | Medicine | Kleenex Coupons

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