Question 1

WHAT IS A COLD?

Accepted Answer

Sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, coughing. These are the hallmarks of the common cold—and unfortunately, it hits millions of people in the United Kingdom each year (Source: FAN Data, IRI). Indeed, adults get an average of two to three colds each year while kids get even more. Although the common cold tends to hit in the winter and spring, it’s possible to contract a cold any time of year.

But just what is a cold and what can you do about it? The common cold is the result of mainly rhinoviruses. It’s very common and usually clears up on its own within about 7 to 10 days. Read on to learn more facts about the common cold and how you can treat it.

Question 2

WHAT CAUSES A COLD?

Accepted Answer

Although many different viruses can cause a cold, rhinoviruses are the most common. A cold virus enters your body through your mouth, eyes or nose, usually when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks (the virus can spread through droplets in the air). You can also catch a cold by touching contaminated objects and surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Question 3

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A COLD, AND HOW LONG UNTIL THEY APPEAR?

Accepted Answer

You may have a cold if you’re suffering from a sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, headaches and body aches. Usually a sore throat is the first symptom to show up, followed by a runny nose. Sometimes a common cold can cause other symptoms like a mild fever and aching joints. Once you contract a cold virus, it can take a few days for symptoms to develop.

Question 4

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COLD AND THE FLU?

Accepted Answer

Although colds and flus are often confused, they are actually quite different. The flu is caused by very different virus types than the ones that cause the common cold. This is why a diagnosed cold caused specifically by a cold virus cannot “morph” into the flu. What’s more, flu symptoms tend to be worse than cold symptoms, and they come on suddenly (cold symptoms tend to arrive gradually). When you’re hit with the flu, you know it. You can expect to be faced with a fever, chills, and aching muscles and joints. Colds, on the other hand, are usually associated with a sore throat and runny nose. Colds are much more common than the flu.

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Question 5

HOW CAN I TREAT A COLD?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the common cold. To feel better, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest. In the meantime, medications can help ease your symptoms. Vicks VapoRub is a good option for easing some cold symptoms like blocked nose, sore throat, nasal congestion and cough. Once applied, it continously releases vapours for up to 8 hours relieving you of congestion and helping you sleep better.

Question 6

IS A COLD CONTAGIOUS?

Accepted Answer

According to the British Lung Foundation, colds are highly contagious. Viruses live on all surfaces touched by humans. Cold viruses will not cause a cold when on a person’s skin (i.e., when a person touches a surface with cold viruses on it). However, if a person then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth, the cold virus will then enter the respiratory tract. Cold viruses also travel through airborne droplets created when an infected person sneezes or coughs. These droplets can then be inhaled by another person, who can become infected.

Question 7

HOW LONG DOES A COLD LAST?

Accepted Answer

For adults, a common cold will usually clear up on its own within about 7 to 10 days, however cough symptoms may remain for longer. Adults need about 18 days to completely recover from a cough while kids may require a good three weeks.

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Question 8

HOW CAN I PREVENT A COLD?

Accepted Answer

The best way to prevent a cold is to avoid touching your face. The reason? Cold viruses travel through small liquid drops when someone with a cold sneezes or coughs. These particles can land on surfaces like doorknobs and computer keyboards and spread to your hands when you touch them. If you then touch your face, the virus has a good chance of entering your eyes, nose or mouth. You should also avoid sharing drinking cups or tissues with anyone who has a cold.

It’s also a good idea to frequently wash your hands with soap and water to keep from catching a cold. Scrub them for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

__DO NOT SHARE CUPS TO DRINK OR HANKIES__

__DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE__

__WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN__

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