The common cold is an illness caused by a virus infection located in the nose but can also involve the sinuses, ears, and bronchial tubes.

Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal obstruction, sore or scratchy throat, cough, hoarseness, and mild general symptoms like headache, fever and chills. Colds usually last about one week but they can last up to two.

You are most contagious with the cold during the first three days when the virus is most plentiful in the nasal cavity. The cold is transmitted through droplets expelled during nose blowing, coughing, and sneezing and can be picked up from contaminated surfaces as well as being in contact with an infected person.

The best way to prevent the cold is to keep your immune system strong through a healthy lifestyle and to wash your hands regularly.

You can take decongestants, antihistamines, and cough suppressants to treat the symptoms of the cold but since it is a virus you will have to just let your immune system fight it, antibiotics will not work.

If you experience the following symptoms, make an appointment to see your health care provider:

• A cough that lasts more than 2 weeks
• A fever that lasts for more than 2 days and is over 102 degrees F
• Earache
• A stiff neck
• Confusion
• A severe or prolonged sore throat
• Hallucinations
• Severe pain in your sinuses
• Vomiting
• More than minimal diarrhea
• A skin rash

You can be seen a Student Health Services at no charge by coming over to our office on the first floor of Jonsson Tower or by calling 580-5550 for an appointment.

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