The Common Cold
Year Round
People of all ages are affected by the common cold with children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems being most susceptible.
Many different viruses can cause a cold. The most common types are rhinovirus, coxsackievirus and coronavirus.
You can contract a cold either by touch or air. If you touch someone or something with a cold virus on it and then touch your eyes, mouth, or open wound, you may become infected. You may also inhale the droplets of virus in the air when someone coughs or sneezes.
You may develop congestion, cough, runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, watery eyes, tiredness, and occasionally fever. Fever is more common in children than in adults. These symptoms usually last 7 to 10 days.
There is no cure for the common cold. You can treat the symptoms with over-the-counter medications. You should also try to get extra rest and drink plenty of fluids. This means more fluids than usual! If your symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days, you should see a doctor.
