Medical Condition - Colds

Colds - Medical Description

The common cold is an upper respiratory infection caused by a number of different viruses. The most common is called the rhinovirus. There are over 200 cold viruses. Most anyone can contract a cold. The virus enters your body through the mouth or nose and is spread by hand to hand contact.  People are usually contagious the first 2 to 3 days of a cold.


Children can contract a cold in school or daycare and can have 3-12 colds a year. Adults usually have from 2-4 colds a year. It is the leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from work and school.

A cold can occur throughout the year but is most common in the winter months, even in areas with mild winters. If the area has no winters then it mostly occurs in the rainy season.

Medical Symptoms

• Itchy or sore throat
• Stuffy and/or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Hoarseness
• Possible fever – mainly with children
• Headache
• Tired and achy feeling

Medical Diagnosis

Usually you do not need to see a doctor for a cold, however; if your symptoms last longer than 5 to 10 days you might want to make a doctors appointment.

Medical Treatment

At home treatment includes:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Get plenty of rest
• Over the counter cold medicine - depending on your symptoms:
  Decongestants and Antihistamines
  Nasal sprays
  Cough syrups
  Tylenol or Ibuprofen

Recommended Product Relief Solutions

• Thermophore Moist Heating Pad
• Myossage & Ultra-Massage Lotion
• Mattress Genie Adjustable Bed Wedge
• Warming Mitt
• Moist Heat Aromatherapy Warming Mittens Heated Gloves
• Hot/Cold Sinus Pack Eye Mask
• Infrared Deep Heat Wand

Health Resources - Helpful Websites

• eMedTV - Health Information Brought to Life
• PopularArticles.com