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    Colds

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    Cherrie Angcao
    The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by several different types of viruses. It spreads through coughs, sneezes, or direct contact and causes symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, coughing, and fatigue. While there is no cure, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, and prevention involves hand washing and avoiding contact with those who are sick. Complications can include ear infections, sinusitis, or secondary infections like pneumonia. The flu causes a more severe illness with abrupt onset and higher fever.

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    Colds

    Uploaded by

    Cherrie Angcao
    111 views15 pages
    The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by several different types of viruses. It spreads through coughs, sneezes, or direct contact and causes symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, coughing, and fatigue. While there is no cure, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, and prevention involves hand washing and avoiding contact with those who are sick. Complications can include ear infections, sinusitis, or secondary infections like pneumonia. The flu causes a more severe illness with abrupt onset and higher fever.

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    The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by several different types of viruses. It spreads through coughs, sneezes, or direct contact and causes symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, coughing, and fatigue. While there is no cure, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, and prevention involves hand washing and avoiding contact with those who are sick. Complications can include ear infections, sinusitis, or secondary infections like pneumonia. The flu causes a more severe illness with abrupt onset and higher fever.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as ppt, pdf, or txt
    111 views15 pages

    Colds

    Uploaded by

    Cherrie Angcao
    The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by several different types of viruses. It spreads through coughs, sneezes, or direct contact and causes symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, coughing, and fatigue. While there is no cure, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, and prevention involves hand washing and avoiding contact with those who are sick. Complications can include ear infections, sinusitis, or secondary infections like pneumonia. The flu causes a more severe illness with abrupt onset and higher fever.

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    Common Cold

    What is the common cold?

    • It is a viral infection
    of the upper
    respiratory tract-
    the nose and the
    throat.
    What is the common cold?

    • The common cold, also known as a


    viral upper respiratory tract infection,
    is a self-limited contagious illness
    that can be caused by a number of
    different types of viruses.
    How is the common cold spread?

    • The virus can spread through droplets


    in the air when someone who is sick
    coughs, sneezes or talks.
    • It also spreads by direct hand-to-hand
    contact with infected secretions or from
    contaminated surfaces.
    What are the risk factors?

    • Age
    – Infants and preschool are especially
    susceptible because they haven’t yet
    developed viral resistance.
    • Immunity
    • Time of year
    What are the symptoms of the
    common cold?
    • Runny nose or nasal
    stuffiness
    • Sore or itchy throat,
    • Sneezing,
    • Hoarseness,
    • Cough,
    • Low grade fever and
    headache,
    What are the symptoms of the
    common cold?

    • Fatigue and body aches


    • Watery eyes
    • * These symptoms will typically appear
    1-3 days after exposure to a cold virus
    and will last from 3 to 10 days.
    What is the treatment for the
    common cold?
    • There is no cure for the common cold.
    • Supportive measures include rest and
    drinking plenty of fluids.
    • Over-the-counter medications such as
    throat lozenges, throat sprays, cough
    drops, and cough syrups may also help
    bring relief.
    What is the treatment for the
    common cold?
    • Decongestants and antihistamines may be
    used for nasal symptoms.
    • Saline sprays and a humidifier may also be
    beneficial.
    • Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help with
    fever, sore throat, and body aches.
    • Do not use aspirin or aspirin containing
    medications in children or teenagers because
    it has been associated with a rare potentially
    fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.
    How do you prevent the common
    cold?
    • Frequent hand washing.
    • Try to avoid sharing utensils and try to
    use disposable items if someone in your
    family has a cold.
    • Lifestyle modifications
    – Smoking cessation
    – Stress management
    What are the complications of the
    common cold?

    • Acute ear infection (otitis media)


    – Occurs when the bacteria or viruses
    infiltrate the space behind the eardrum
    – S/sx includes earaches and in some cases,
    a green or yellow discharge.
    • Wheezing
    – Triggered in patients with asthma.
    What are the complications of the
    common cold?

    • Sinusitis
    – Or inflammation of the sinuses
    • Other secondary infections
    – Includes strep throat, pneumonia and
    bronchitis
    When to see a doctor?

    • Fever of 102 F (39 C) and higher,


    accompanied by fatigue and chills and lasts
    for more than 3 days
    • Vomiting and abdominal pain
    • Severe headache
    • Significantly swollen glands
    • Severe sinus pain
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Ear pain
    What is the difference between the
    common cold and influenza (the flu)?
    • Influenza is caused by the influenza
    virus, while the common cold generally
    is not.
    • While some of the symptoms of the
    common cold and influenza may be
    similar, patients with the common cold
    typically have a milder illness.
    What is the difference between the
    common cold and influenza (the flu)?
    • Patients with influenza are usually
    sicker and have a more abrupt onset of
    illness with fever, chills, headache, body
    aches, dry cough, and extreme
    weakness.

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