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Cold

A cold is a contagious viral disease which infects the soft lining of the nose. There are more than 100 different viruses which can result in a cold. Usually, it is a mild condition, recovery taking place within about a week. It is most common during the cold winter months and affects children and adults of all ages.

Catching A Cold
A person is contagious from the day before the illness breaks out until three days after they feel better. The infection is spread by airborne droplets when the sufferer coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by hand if someone has the virus on their hands and then puts them close to their eyes or nose.
Symptoms
Sore throat, Pain on swallowing, Sneezing, Headache, CoughingIf possible, stay away from people with colds, avoid crowded places where the risk of infection is greater. Do not touch your nose or eyes after being in physical contact with somebody that has a cold. Wash your hands thoroughly, especially after blowing your nose, keep rooms well aired.

A common cold causes no serious trouble and symptoms will clear up in one to two weeks. Possible complications include inflammation of the eyes, sinusitis, inflammation of the middle ear, tonsillitis, and pneumonia. The reason for these complications may be that a germ infects the irritated mucous membrane.

Treatment
There is no effective way of treating an ordinary cold. If the sufferer has no other diseases than the common cold, and it goes away in one to two weeks, there is no reason to see a doctor. Since a cold is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not appropriate.