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Understanding the Common Cold and How to Prevent Infections

We have all come in contact with someone who has a cold or we have ourselves come down with a cold at one time or another. We would all like to be able to prevent the spread of the common cold because the symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, scratchy throat and coughing are very irritating and unpleasant. It can take weeks to get over these symptoms and they can distract us from our work, school or even from enjoying fun things.

Colds strike children, especially those in schools or daycare centers. Children catch on average 10 colds a year while adults average 4 colds a year. Individuals over age 60 have as few as one cold per year.

Viruses cause colds. There are over 200 known viruses that can cause symptoms of the common cold. Just a few of these common cold viruses are: rhinovirus, parainfluenza and respiratory syncytial virus.

Rhinovirus is active in early fall, spring and summer.

Coronaviruses are active in winter and early spring.

It is thought that colds increase during fall and winter because people spend more time indoors where they have more contact with other people. School also starts back up in the fall and children are together more.

The symptoms of the common cold usually start 2 to 3 days after infection. The symptoms can include: runny nose, stuffy nose, swelling of sinus membranes, sneezing, sore throat, cough and headache. A fever can be present especially in infants and young children. Cold symptoms can last from two to 14 days with a average time of one week. Frequent symptoms may be a sign of allergy rather than a cold.

Understanding these symptoms and when colds are occurring can be important when it comes to preventing the spread of infection among individuals. During the peak seasons for colds it becomes even more important to enforce precautions like handwashing procedures. Asking individuals to cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing is also important.

Viruses can cause infection by overcoming the defense system that all of us have. The body's first defense is mucus that is produced by our nose and throat. The mucus in our nose and throat traps the pollen, dust, bacteria and viruses that we breathe in.

We can spread the cold virus by touching the secretions on surfaces and on skin and then touching our eyes or nose. Some respiratory secretions can also be transported briefly in the air and then inhaled. To prevent the spread of infection it is important to wash hands frequently during peak cold season and to wash all surfaces with disinfectant on a regular basis.