Common Cold

Signs and Symptoms

Cold symptoms generally start about 2 or 3 days after you come in contact with the virus, although it could take up to a week. The most common cold symptoms are:

• Nasal Congestion
• Runny nose
• Scratchy throat
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Muscle aches
• Postnasal drip
• Sore throat

Causes of Common Cold

Children are most susceptible to common cold and may get cold many times a year. Parents often get cold from their children. You can catch a cold if:

• A person with a cold sneezes, coughs, or blows its nose near you
• You touch your nose, eyes, or mouth after you have touched something contaminated by the virus such as a doorknob

Treatment

The very first thing one should do is to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Over-the-counter cold and cough medicines may help ease symptoms in adults and older children. They do not make your cold go away faster, but can help you feel better. However, these medicines are not recommended for children under 6.