Farxiga side effects: Common, rare, and serious
Common Cold Symptoms: Coughing, Runny Nose, And More - WebMD
It's hard to get through a year without getting a cold. That's because it spreads very easily. You might get the cold virus from someone sneezing or coughing and releasing droplets in the air near you. Or you might get it from touching a person with a cold or handling an object they touched and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. About 200 different viruses can spread the common cold, which makes it hard to create a vaccine for it. The most common cold virus is the rhinovirus.
There's no cure for the common cold but time. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images)
Another name for the common cold is the head cold because most of the symptoms happen in your head, such as sneezing and coughing. The medical term for the common cold is upper respiratory tract infection or upper respiratory infection (URI).
Except in newborns, colds themselves are not dangerous. They usually go away in 4 to 10 days without any special medicine. Unfortunately, colds do wear down your body's resistance, making you more prone to bacterial infections.
There are three stages of a cold: early, active, and late.
Colds usually start 1-3 days after a virus enters the body. These germs often enter through the nose or mouth and cause your pharynx (a tube at the back of your throat) to become inflamed and sore. That's why the first signs of a cold are often a sore throat or a throat tickle. Your throat inflammation means your white blood cells are rushing to your throat to try and fight off the infection.
You might also have:
Days 4-7 are the days you'll probably feel your worst. At this stage, you might have all the symptoms of the early stage of a cold plus the following:
Usually, there's no fever; in fact, fever and more severe symptoms may indicate that you have the flu rather than a cold.
Can a common cold cause cold sores?
Not directly. Cold sores are mostly caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), a different virus from the cold or flu virus. Once you have HSV-1 inside you, cold sores can appear when triggered by stress, exposure to the sun, changing hormone levels (from having your period), or having an illness such as a cold. Cold sore symptoms include small blisters around your mouth, called fever blisters. Cold sores are very contagious. You can get them from kissing, sharing eating utensils or sharing towels.
From days 8-10, you're entering the late stage of your cold. Your runny nose dries up and you start to feel better. Your sore throat is usually gone.
However, your cough might continue, especially at night, until the end of the second week of your illness. This is because when you lie down, mucus drains into your throat, irritating it and causing you to cough.
If your symptoms aren't improving or getting worse after 2 weeks, see your doctor because your cold might have turned into something more serious.
Unlike adults, most babies start off their colds with a fever, usually in the range of 101 to 102 F. Other signs that your baby has a cold include:
It's common for an infant to get a cold. In fact, healthy infants may get six colds in their first year of life, as there are so many cold viruses out there. Most of the time, it's not serious. But you should call your doctor or 911 right away if any of the following happens:
Not sure whether you have a cold or flu? One big difference is that you usually get fever and body aches with flu, while these are less likely with a cold. Colds tend to be milder than flu, too. Here are some other ways to tell the two illnesses apart, from the CDC.
COLD or FLU? Signs & Symptoms Cold Flu Symptom Onset Gradual Sudden Fever Rare Usual Aches Slight Usual Chills Uncommon Fairly common Fatigue, weakness Sometimes Usual Sneezing Common Sometimes Chest discomfort, Cough Mild to moderate Common Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes Sore Throat Common Sometimes Headache Rare CommonSevere cold symptoms in adults include:
A cold virus can allow other infections to enter the body. If your cold is severe, you may end up getting the following complications:
If you have asthma, chronic (ongoing) bronchitis, or emphysema, you're more likely to get a sinus infection with an ongoing cough from a cold. Community-acquired pneumonias can start as a common cold. If symptoms get worse rather than better after 3-7 days, you may have a bacterial infection. These symptoms can be caused by a cold virus other than a rhinovirus.
There isn't any test to tell you your cold is gone. But you can know your cold is improving if the following signs are happening:
How long do symptoms of a common cold last?
Your cold will usually get better on its own in about 7-10 days, though you could have some symptoms for as long as 2 weeks. Most products such as cold medicines only relieve symptoms but don't make your cold go away any faster.
You can usually treat a cold at home. But you may need to contact your doctor if:
You'll also want to call your doctor if:
Or if your child has:
Your cold should go away on its own, but if it's nasty enough, seek medical attention. Your doctor likely will examine your throat, lungs, and ears. If your doctor suspects strep throat, they will take a culture and determine if you have an infection and may need antibiotics. If they suspect pneumonia, you will need a chest X-ray. Coughing, sneezing, and a sore throat should go away within 1-2 weeks. If it's longer than that, see your doctor.
How do you quickly get rid of a cold?
There isn't a way to quickly cure a cold; it just has to run its course. Antibiotics don't usually help as almost all colds are caused by viruses. Some people swear that taking large doses of vitamin C or supplements containing vitamin C, zinc, echinacea, and other herbs and minerals will stop a cold or shorten it. Studies are mixed on whether these nutrients make a difference; in the studies where they did show benefits, they shortened colds only by a day or two. Still, if you want to try, it can't hurt. Just make sure you do your megadosing at the first sign of a throat tickle or when you've been around someone who's been sneezing but before you have symptoms.
How long does a cold usually last?
It typically lasts 7 to 10 days, though 2 weeks is not unusual.
What is the best medicine for a cold?
Colds have multiple symptoms, so you usually need multiple products for treatment. You might need an antihistamine to dry up your runny nose, a pain reliever for your headache and body aches, and a cough medicine for your cough. Be careful with taking multisymptom cold medicines, especially if you're using, say, a pain reliever at the same time. You don't want to overdose on all those drugs. Ease your sore throat by gargling with warm salt water. Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, and have some chicken soup. The steam clears your nostrils, while the liquid provides hydration and has a lot of nutrition.
What Are The Most Common Types Of Colds? Understanding Causes And Symptoms - Onlymyhealth
Winter is here, and as the temperatures are preparing to sink low, the saga of cold, cough, sore throat, and flu starts. Colds are among the most prevalent health issues, affecting people of all ages during winters. Caused by various respiratory viruses, colds are not only common but also highly contagious, spreading easily from person to person. Understanding the types, causes, symptoms, and preventive measures can help minimise their impact on daily life.
To understand the common types of colds, their causes and symptoms, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Roohi Pirzada, MBBS, Consultant Physician in Mumbai.
Common Types of Cold VirusesColds are caused by a variety of respiratory viruses, each with its unique characteristics and behaviour. Dr Pirzada helped us understand the types in detail:
RhinovirusAccording to Dr Pirzada, "Rhinovirus is the most prevalent virus responsible for the majority of common cold cases." It primarily infects the upper respiratory tract, thriving in the cooler temperatures of the nasal passages. This explains why colds caused by rhinovirus are more common during fall and winter months, when cooler weather prevails, and people tend to spend more time indoors, increasing transmission rates.
The parainfluenza virus is a notable cause of respiratory illnesses, especially in children and individuals with weakened immune systems. According to research, parainfluenza can lead to more severe conditions beyond the typical cold, such as croup, which is characterised by a harsh, barking cough, as well as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. This virus primarily affects the upper respiratory tract but can also extend to the lower respiratory system in severe cases.
Also read: Causes Of Lingering Cough After A Cold And When To See A Doctor
AdenovirusAdenoviruses are a group of viruses capable of causing a broad range of illnesses. While they are a known cause of the common cold, they can also lead to conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye), gastrointestinal infections, and, in rare cases, severe respiratory infections. Adenoviruses are remarkably resilient and can survive on surfaces for extended periods, making them highly transmissible. "Common cold symptoms caused by adenovirus include nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, and fever," Dr Pirzada noted.
Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that include strains capable of causing cold-like symptoms, especially during late summer and early fall. These viruses are typically mild, presenting with symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and fever, but they can also cause additional issues like rash and, in children, hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Studies show certain strains of enteroviruses have been associated with rare but severe conditions, such as viral meningitis or myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).
Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)Human metapneumovirus is a lesser-known but significant respiratory virus, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weak immunity. Closely related to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hMPV can cause cold-like symptoms, including runny nose, sore throat, and cough. In some cases, the infection can progress to more serious respiratory issues, such as wheezing, bronchitis, or pneumonia. "hMPV infections are often seasonal, with outbreaks commonly occurring in late winter and early spring," Dr Pirzada said.
How Colds SpreadColds are highly contagious and primarily spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze. These droplets can land on surfaces or be inhaled by individuals nearby. Direct contact with contaminated hands or surfaces and then touching the face can also lead to infection.
Also read: Blocked Nose Keeping You Awake? Here Are 7 Tips That Can Help
Symptoms of the Common Cold
Typical symptoms of a cold include:
Runny nose
Sneezing
Nasal congestion
Cough
Sore throat
Headache
Fatigue
Fever
In adults, cold symptoms usually resolve within a week, though recovery may take longer for children and the elderly due to weaker immune systems. Dr Pirzada notes that adults experience two to three bouts of colds annually, with peak occurrences between September and May.
Prevention TipsWhile it's impossible to eliminate the risk of catching a cold, adopting preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood:
Avoid Close Contact: Maintain distance from infected individuals.
Practise Good Hygiene: Always sneeze or cough into a tissue, discard it immediately, and wash hands thoroughly.
Clean Surfaces: Disinfect commonly touched surfaces, especially during cold season.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports a healthy immune system.
Rest Adequately: Quality sleep is essential for maintaining immunity.
Dr Pirzada emphasises that treatment is largely symptomatic, aimed at alleviating discomfort:
Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines and paracetamol can help reduce symptoms like runny nose, congestion, and fever.
Steam Inhalation: This soothes nasal passages, making breathing easier.
Saline Gargles: Warm saline water gargles relieve throat discomfort.
Rest and Hydration: Ensure adequate rest and drink plenty of fluids to support recovery.
Colds are an inevitable part of life, but understanding their causes and symptoms can help manage them better. As Dr Pirzada reiterates, preventive strategies such as maintaining hygiene, staying hydrated, and supporting the immune system can go a long way in reducing their frequency and severity. If symptoms persist or worsen, it's always advisable to seek professional medical advice. By being proactive and informed, individuals can minimise the impact of colds on their daily routines and overall health.
These Are The 2 Most Common COVID Symptoms Doctors Are Seeing Right Now - AOL
When you're feeling under the weather, it often isn't immediately obvious what you've come down with. Some different types of illnesses have overlapping symptoms, including ones that are going around right now, like COVID, the common cold and the flu.
Though the pandemic is largely behind most of us, it's still important to know if you have COVID and to act accordingly if you do so you can keep yourself and others safe. Contrary to what some may think, getting COVID can still be a big deal and can cause serious health consequences for those who are immunocompromised, including senior adults, babies, pregnant women and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Since the COVID variants keep evolving, it can be hard to know what the current most common symptoms are. Here, a doctor shares the most common COVID symptoms he's seeing right now and what to do if you are experiencing them.
Related: Can You Get Your COVID Booster and Flu Shot at the Same Time? Here's What Doctors Say
The 2 Most Common COVID Symptoms Doctors Are Seeing Right NowDr. Brian Blank, MD, a family medicine physician and founder of Ember Modern Medicine, says that without a doubt the two most common COVID symptoms he is seeing right now are a head cold and sore throat. This is typically accompanied by a runny nose. The reason why COVID causes a sore throat is because it's an upper respiratory viral infection. This means it affects the upper airways, causing them to become irritated, which can then lead to a sore throat.
Curious why getting COVID makes your nose run? This is because anything that irritates the inside of the nose can cause a runny nose—including upper respiratory viral infections. When the lining of the nose becomes inflamed, it causes an increase in mucus production. One of the most common ways COVID is contracted is through the nose, so it makes sense that the inside of the nose becomes inflamed after you get it.
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As for why COVID can cause a head cold (which includes headaches and a fever), one theory is that COVID triggers the trigeminal nerve, which sends feelings of pain, touch and temperature from your face to your brain. A fever occurs in the body's effort to fight off the infection, since most viruses and bacteria can't survive high temperatures.
Other symptoms of COVID include shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
Related: Do You Have COVID or the Flu? It's Not Always Easy to Tell, but Here's How Doctors Suggest Figuring It Out
What to Do If You're Experiencing COVID SymptomsIf you are experiencing any COVID symptoms, including the most common ones, Dr. Blank says the next step is to take a COVID test. "If you still experience those symptoms two to three days after the onset of symptoms, it's a good idea to take a COVID test. You may also want to test yourself if you're going to be around anyone who is pregnant, elderly or immunocompromised," he says. This is important because even if you are in good health and will recover from COVID quickly, that may not be the case for those who are immunocompromised.
If you test positive for COVID, you may be wondering if you should see a doctor or treat your symptoms at home. Dr. Blank says that this depends on one's individual health. "You can treat your symptoms at home with over-the-counter flu medicine and it may help a bit. However, if you have another medical condition that could cause you to become seriously ill with COVID, you should talk to your doctor. Drugs like Paxlovid may be an option, depending on the patient's health needs and risk with COVID," he advised.
Related: Here's What You Can Expect COVID Symptoms to Look Like Day by Day—and Why Days 5 Through 10 Are the Most Important
Currently, Dr. Blank says there are no official quarantine rules for those who have COVID. However, he recommends avoiding being around others until you are fever-free (without the help of Tylenol or Advil) and especially in the first few days. "You're most contagious in the first several days. Most people will have a fever and be coughing a lot during this time," he noted.
It can take up to 14 days for COVID symptoms to go away completely, according to Dr. Blanks. You don't have to quarantine this entire time, but he does recommend avoiding being around others, especially when you have a fever.
Of course, it's best if you can avoid dealing with these symptoms at all—and that's where getting a COVID vaccine can be helpful. Dr. Blank recommends getting a COVID vaccine once a year, similarly to how it's recommended to get a flu vaccine once a year. While the vaccine isn't a guarantee that you won't get COVID, it will make your symptoms less severe than they would be if you get the virus and weren't vaccinated.
It's certainly the time of year when viral illnesses are making their rounds. If you do get sick, track your symptoms, take a COVID test and see your doctor if you are immunocompromised. That way, you'll recover as quickly as possible while also keeping others safe.
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Related: Can COVID Cause Green Poop? A Gut Health Experts Explain How COVID Really Affects Your Stool
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