Cold

Upper respiratory tract infection. It is a mild viral infection.

Symptoms:

• Running nose
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle aches

Prevention:

• It is spread by oral or nasal route. It can be spread by body contact or sneezing and coughing.
• Vitamin C helps to prevent cold.
• Keep bathrooms and kitchen clean if anyone has cold in the family.

Treatment:

• There is as such no treatment for common cold. Medication can help to feel more comfortable. 
• Warm soups
• Rest
• Wash hands before eating, you can have other infections because your body is weak.

Note:

• You cannot "catch a cold" by standing out in the rain, not wearing a hat in cold weather, or losing sleep.
• Colds are generally contagious.
• Colds usually last 1 or 2 weeks.
• Fever usually lasts 1 to 3 days.
• Runny nose and sore throat may last 7 to 10 days.
• Coughing may last 2 to 3 weeks.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha, Last updated: 02.12.07 © Medhospital Foundation

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