Common cold

Description
The common cold is caused by many different viruses. Symptoms include a runny, stuffed up nose, sneezing, coughing and a mild sore throat, with little or no fever. Children under 5 years of age may get several colds a year. Colds are spread directly by contact with airborne droplets (coughing and sneezing), or indirectly by contaminated hands, tissues, eating utensils, toys or other articles freshly soiled by the nose and throat discharges of an infected person.


Incubation Period
About 1-3 days.


Infectious Period
From about one day before symptoms begin and during the first five days of illness.


Controlling the Spread of Infection
Do not exclude a child with a common cold. Teach children to cover the mouth when sneezing or coughing and to wash their hands after blowing their noses. Dispose of tissues soiled with nose and throat discharges. Ensure staff wash hands after contact with soiled tissues or contact with nose and throat discharges.


Treatment
Medicines containing paracetamol and decongestants may help to relieve symptoms in children older than 3 months. Do not give aspirin to any child with a fever. See your doctor to assess weather anti-biotics are required for any primary or secondary bacterial infection.


Comments
Watch for new or more severe symptoms. They may indicate other more serious infections.


Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is intended as a guide only. Wollongong Medical Centre is not liable for any problems that may arise from incorrectly or otherwise applying information found in this website.


Further General Information

The following web site has information on infectious diseases: www.health.nsw.gov.au/infect/ or contact the Division of Population and Planning on 4255-2200.

For information on a large range of medical conditions and problems visit www.mayoclinic.com