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Colds

A cold is usually harmless and goes away on its own. It is also called a flu-like infection, but has nothing to do with a real flu. Cold symptoms such as cough, sore throat and a runny nose can be very annoying. When you have a bad cold, you often feel weak and sick, too. Usually a cold subsides on its own after about a week. However, some symptoms can last longer. While sore throats and colds often disappear after a few days, a cough can take up to three weeks to clear up completely. Treatment with medication is usually not necessary. At most, they can help to alleviate the symptoms somewhat. Since colds are usually caused by viruses, antibiotics are also not useful for a simple cold. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria.

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Symptoms

Fever

Chills

Coughs

Sore throat

Runny nose

Watery eyes

Weakness

Fatigue

Sneezing

Stuffy nose

Sneezing and coughing

Loss of taste

Earache

Shortness of breath

What To Expect

A cold usually develops over a few days. Typical symptoms are a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing and sore throat. Sometimes a cold is also accompanied by a slight fever, faintness, and headache and aching limbs. Occasionally, the common cold and the flu are confused. However, flu usually causes much more severe symptoms. It also does not start gradually, but usually very suddenly with high fever, chills, muscle and limb pain.

Made Worse By

The most important measure to prevent a cold is hygiene. Cold viruses can survive for a long time on the skin or on the surface of objects. If you have had contact with someone with a cold or touched potentially contaminated surfaces (e.g. door handles, bus or train stop bars, stair rails), avoid touching your face and wash your hands as soon as possible. Keep as much distance as possible from people with colds and avoid direct contact (e.g. hugging). Do not drink or eat from the same dishes as a person with a cold. Diet also plays a role if you want to prevent a cold. In general, eat as varied and balanced a diet as possible. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and dairy products contain many vitamins and minerals. They help the body to build up a powerful immune system. Meat and animal fats, on the other hand, should only be consumed in moderation. This also applies to alcohol.

How Common

Colds are very common, especially in children. It is not uncommon for a child to bring home 6 to 10 colds a year from school, daycare or kindergarten. Adults get an average of 2 to 4 colds per year, mostly during the cold season.

Diagnosed By

No special examinations are necessary to detect a cold. Since the typical complaints are known to almost everyone since childhood, a visit to the doctor is usually dispensed with. Also for a doctor the described symptoms and the look into the throat are usually sufficient. Colds are very common. Having another illness with similar symptoms is therefore much less likely. However, if there is a suspicion that a flu or other more serious infection is behind it, examinations such as a nasal and throat swab can provide clarity.

Caution Remember that in the very young and very old, even a cold can develop into pneumonia. Always seek professional advice if the symptoms lasts for a longer time or if they get worse.