Which germ is responsible for the common cold

This is why colds are so common and often return. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , adults on average get 2—3 colds per year , and children may have more. They usually last around 7—10 days. When a person has a cold virus, their immune system tries to fight it off. This causes the symptoms that we recognize as a cold. People with a weakened immune system may develop more severe symptoms or a secondary infection, such as pneumonia. If a person develops more serious symptoms, they should seek medical help.

The symptoms of a cold develop in stages. Here, get more detail about the stages of a cold. Anyone who has the following symptoms should stay away from other people and seek medical advice:. Click here to learn more. They or another person should call or the local emergency department to ask for instructions.

Over different viruses can cause cold symptoms, and rhinoviruses are responsible for most of them. When a virus enters the body, the immune system tries to fight it. In a person with a strong immune system, symptoms may not develop. A cold is not usually serious, and colds mostly disappear after 7—10 days.

Sometimes, however, complications can occur. These are most likely to affect those with a weakened immune system. A cold can worsen the symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD — which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Learn more here about how to stall a cold that is just starting. People use various natural remedies for colds. Some, such as drinking warm lemon and honey, may provide relief.

The flu, which is caused by influenza viruses, also spreads and causes illness around the same time as the common cold. Because these two illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult or even impossible to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Flu can also have very serious complications. CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first and best way to prevent the flu. If you get the flu, antiviral drugs may be a treatment option.

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What's this? Ear infection: The main symptoms are earaches or a yellow or green discharge from the nose. This is more common in children. Sinusitis: It occurs when a cold does not go away and stays for long periods of time. Symptoms include inflamed and infected sinuses. Chest infection: Infections can lead to pneumonia and bronchitis. Symptoms include lingering cough, shortness of breath, and coughing up mucus. Strep throat: Strep is an infection of the throat.

Symptoms include a severe sore throat and sometimes a cough. For colds that do not go away, seeing a doctor is necessary. Children should be taken to the doctor for fevers of Over-the-counter cold medicines usually combine painkillers with decongestants.

Some are available individually. These include:. Alternative medicine is not proven to be as effective at treating colds as the above methods.

Some people do find relief in trying it. Zinc can be used most effectively if taken 24 hours after the first symptoms. Vitamin C, or foods rich with it like citrus fruits , are said to boost the immune system.

And echinacea is often thought to provide the same immune system boost. During a cold, it is suggested that you get extra rest and try to eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. You should also drink a lot of liquids. Other tips for home care:. Read more: Is it a cold or the flu? Do you have a head cold? Learn more about the symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Most adults recover from a cold in about 7 to 10 days, but a common cold can last longer in children.

Most colds consist of three phases, and your…. Common cold symptoms appear about one to three days after the body becomes infected. The short period before symptoms appear is called the….