Cold

Colds are classified as acute respiratory infections . In this disease, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract occurs as a result of a viral infection . Typical symptoms are cough, runny nose and/or sore throat .

Cold : what is it?

A cold is an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract , which is caused by a viral infection . Colds are caused by more than 200 different viruses – including rhinoviruses , adenoviruses , coronaviruses *, parainfluenza viruses , respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ), and some enteroviruses . The incubation period – that is, the time that elapses from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first symptoms – varies between 12 hours and three days.

*Note: The coronaviruses that cause colds should not be confused with SARS-CoV-2 (that is the causative agent of COVID-19 ).

A cold is a very common disease. More than half of adults in industrialized countries catch a cold at least once a year. Children can “catch” colds up to 12 times a year (!). After a cold, a person is not protected from another infection. This is because there are many viruses that cause colds. So the immune system has to learn to fight a particular virus every time.

Attention! A cold is not the same as the flu . For the differences between the two diseases, see Cold or Flu?

How are cold viruses transmitted?

Viruses that cause colds are transmitted from person to person, most often through the so-called droplet infection . Droplets containing germs are released into the air when you cough or sneeze. However, viruses can also be transmitted by hands, for example when shaking hands or hugging. They then get inside the body when a person touches their nose , mouth or the area around their eyes. The probability of infection also increases when spending time together with many people in closed rooms.

How can you prevent colds?

You can reduce the risk of infection by following hygiene measures. They include in particular:

• proper hand washing ,
• sneezing into the crook of the elbow
• not touching the face
• not sharing dishes during meals,
• throwing away used tissues.

In the long term, you can also reduce the risk of catching a cold by following the principles of a healthy lifestyle, which in particular include:

• non smoking,
• regular exercise – there is evidence that regular exercise shortens the duration and reduces the severity of respiratory infections ,
• healthy and balanced diet – you can find more detailed information in the separate category Nutrition in the prevention of diseases .

If you already get sick with a cold, you should avoid being around other people as much as possible to avoid infecting others.

Note: The flu shot protects you against the flu , not the common cold.

What symptoms can occur with a cold?

Colds usually develop slowly. Typical symptoms include:

• runny nose , stuffy nose or runny nose ,
• sneezing,
• Sore throat ,
• cough.

Sometimes an increased body temperature (usually up to 38°C), pain in the limbs, headache and/or fatigue may also occur .

Note: Cold symptoms can be similar to flu or COVID-19 symptoms. You can find more detailed information about these diseases in the articles Flu: what it is, prevention and symptoms and COVID-19: symptoms of the disease .

What is the course of a cold?

A cold usually goes without complications , the immune system will deal with it within approximately nine days . However, it may take longer for the symptoms to disappear completely. Cough in particular can last for a long time (up to three weeks).

Sometimes a cold can be accompanied by a bacterial infection . This can lead, for example, to inflammation of the larynx ( laryngitis ), angina (i.e. acute inflammation of the tonsils , or tonsillitis ), or inflammation of the sinuses ( sinusitis ).

For example, pseudocroup ( acute subglottic laryngitis ) or inflammation of the middle ear ( otitis ) can occur in children . Very rarely , serious complications can also occur, such as pneumonia .

Certain groups of people may be more affected by the common cold. These people are more likely to develop complications or have a more severe cold. These people include, for example:

• people with chronic diseases such as diabetes , asthma , COPD or cardiovascular disease ,
• people with a disorder of the immune system or those taking immunosuppressants ,
• smokers,
• children, especially preschoolers.

How is a cold diagnosed ?

A doctor diagnoses a cold based on the patient’s medical history and physical examination . At the same time, it will take into account the current incidence of colds in the population. Laboratory examination is performed only in special cases. These include, for example, suspected bacterial infection, suspected additional or different viral infection (especially influenza or COVID-19 ), or if complications occur.

How is a cold treated?

There are many viruses that cause colds, so it is difficult for experts to develop targeted drugs against them . This is why there are currently no drugs available that are specifically effective against the viruses that cause the common cold. However, there are various medicines to relieve cold symptoms. These include, among others , painkillers whose active ingredients are paracetamol or ibuprofen [1–3]. Specific medications are best recommended by your attending physician or pharmacist . He will also explain to you how to take the medication and possible side effects .

Attention! Acetylsalicylic acid (sold, for example, under the names Acylpyrin, Aspirin, etc.) must not be given to children under 12 years of age. In children, these drugs are possible triggers of so-called Reye’s syndrome , which can result in severe brain damage or even death.

Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work against bacteria. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection occurs at the same time as a cold.

What can I do on my own when I have a cold?

For colds, it is generally recommended to:

• If you are tired and have a fever , stay in bed.
• Keep the rest mode , don’t switch.
• Take care of sufficient fluid intake , especially if the child has a fever.
• Do not smoke: smoking worsens the problem and delays recovery.

Who can I contact?

You can handle uncomplicated cases of colds yourself at home. If you are not sure, consult an adult general practitioner or a child and adolescent general practitioner .

When is urgent medical help needed?

You should seek medical attention quickly if any of the following symptoms occur:

• high fever or febrile convulsions ,
• severe or worsening cold symptoms,
• pain in the chest ,
• difficulty breathing
• very severe headache with vomiting , confusion and stiffness of the neck .

Medical help is also necessary in the case of chronic respiratory diseases , for example COPD . If necessary, the doctor then adapts the treatment to the disease in question.