Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others

Most people get colds in the winter and spring, but it is possible to get a cold at any time of the year. Symptoms usually include sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, headaches and body aches. Most people recover within about 7-10 days

Many different viruses can cause the common cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common.

How to Protect Yourself and Others

You can help reduce your risk of getting a cold:

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water
Scrub them for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Viruses live on your hands, and regular handwashing can help protect you from getting sick.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Viruses can enter your body this way and make you sick.

·         Stay away from people who are sick
Sick people can spread viruses that cause the common cold through close contact with others.

If you have a cold, you should follow these tips to prevent viruses from spreading to other people:

·         Stay at home while you are sick

·         Avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands

·         Move away from people before coughing or sneezing

·         Cough and sneeze into a tissue then throw it away, or cough and sneeze into your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose

·         Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose

·         Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and objects such as toys and doorknobs

There is no vaccine to protect you against the common cold.

How to Feel Better

There is no cure for a cold. To feel better, you should get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Talk to your doctor before giving your child nonprescription cold medicines, since some medicines contain ingredients that are not recommended for children.

Antibiotics will not help you recover from a cold. They do not work against viruses, and they may make it harder for your body to fight future bacterial infections if you take them unnecessarily.

When to See a Doctor

You should call your doctor if you or your child has one or more of these conditions:

·         a temperature higher than 100.4° F

·         symptoms that last more than 10 days

·         symptoms that are severe or unusual

If your child is younger than 3 months old and has a fever, you should always call your doctor right away. Your doctor can determine if you or your child has a cold and can recommend therapy to help with symptoms.