There are more than 200 different viruses that cause upper respiratory infections (URI’s). The most common of those is the Rhinovirus, which causes up to half of all common colds. The University environment provides many opportunities for a virus to thrive. Students are likely to contract an average of 1-4 colds per year and young children even more.

Upper respiratory infections and influenza (the flu) are often confused. A URI is similar to, but milder than influenza, which often causes more severe symptoms including fever, muscle and body aches, and a more severe cough.

There is currently no cure for viral infections, though medicines that directly attack the cold virus are under development. Therefore, the treatment of colds involve the temporary relief of symptoms and immune system support while the virus runs its course.

Transmission

URI’s are transmitted primarily through hand-to-hand contact with an infected person or by sharing objects that have been infected with the virus like a telephone, drinking glass, or other utensils. Cold viruses cannot multiply on these non-living surfaces, but once transported into the nose, mouth or eyes, the virus can multiply and cause infection.

An adult is more likely to come down with a cold if his or her resistance is low or immune system is compromised. People are more susceptible during the fall, winter and spring seasons.

Symptoms

A URI typically has a duration of 1-2 weeks and may include any of the following symptoms:

• sore, scratchy throat
• runny nose, sneezing
• stuffy, congested nose
• hoarseness
• full feeling in the ears/head
• cough, with or without mucous production
• fatigue
• headache
• achiness
• chilliness
• low grade fever

Symptom Relief

• Antihistamines with beneficial effects are the “first-generation” compounds which have a sedating effect, such as chlorpheniramine (4,8 or 12 mg), clemastine (1 mg) or brompheniramine (12 mg). The non-sedating antihistamines used for allergies have not been found effective for cold symptoms.
• Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are oral decongestants which may help alleviate congestion. Nasal spray decongestants such as Afrin, however, may be used only for 3 days due to a rebound effect that increases congestion.
• NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen will help reduce the inflammation, fever, pain and cough that accompany a cold.
• Anticholinergics such as ipatropium can reduce nasal discharge.
• Cough suppressants act on the brain to depress the cough reflex center.

Antibiotics combat bacterial, not viral, infections. Unless your cold has led to a secondary bacterial infection such as pneumonia, an antibiotic is not only a waste of money but may unnecessarily expose you to the potential side-effects. Do not ask your healthcare provider for a prescription for antibiotics unless your lab tests confirm that you have a bacterial infection or your provider finds that your symptoms suggest you have one.

Note: More medication is not better! Any medications used, prescribed or over-the-counter, should be taken only as directed to avoid potential harmful side effects.

Congestion/runny nose

• Inhale warm, moist air to soothe inflamed mucous membranes. Use a humidifier for room air. Use in a small area with door closed and clean humidifier regularly. Steam from a shower will help open congested air passages and relieve a raw, dry throat.
• Drink lots of water. It will help break up mucous and moisten the respiratory membranes.
• Place a moist, hot compress over the sinus area to help relieve congestion.
• Decongestant medications can help relieve congestion, but may interfere with sleep due to a stimulant effect.
• Antihistamine medications have a drying effect on a drippy nose, but commonly cause drowsiness.
• Combination decongestant/antihistamine medications can reduce congestion and dry up a runny nose for people who are experiencing both symptoms.
• Menthol products (lozenges or ointments) may also help relieve congestion.

Note: Nose blowing creates high pressure in the nose and propels nasal fluid into the sinuses. Nose blowing may be a cause of sinus disease in colds. Early continuous treatment reduces the frequency of sneezing and the amount of nasal secretions, thus reducing the need for nose blowing.

Cough

• Drink lots of water. This is the best initial treatment and will help break up thick mucous and moisten membrane surfaces which decreases the urge to cough.
• Cough medicines such as Robitussin DM may be used and should be accompanied by at least 8 ounces of water.
• Smoke aggravates mucous membranes. Do not smoke and avoid smoky environments.

Sore throat

A sore throat may be the result of a viral or bacterial infection, irritation from smoking, excessive loud talking, dry rooms during winter months, or secretions from the nose draining down the throat. Approximately 90% of all sore throats are the result of a viral URI, which are not affected by antibiotic treatment. Only about 10% of sore throats are due to bacterial infections. A throat culture is required to confirm a bacterial cause.

• Gargle with salt water (1/2 teaspoon per 8 ounces of warm water every 3-4 hours). This helps reduce the pain and swelling and cleanses the throat of mucous secretions. It is the safest and least expensive treatment.
• Sip warm or cold liquids frequently to help keep throat tissues moist and more comfortable.
• Suck on hard candies or crushed ice for a soothing, moisturizing effect.
• Steam from a hot shower will help soothe a raw throat.
• Benzocaine lozenges help to soothe a sore throat.
• Chloroseptic liquid (As a spray: spray throat 5 times and swallow, every 2 hours as needed.As a gargle: rinse throat for 15 seconds, every 2 hours as needed.)
• Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen can help relieve pain. Warning: Aspirin and ibuprofen may cause stomach irritation and should be taken with food or milk. They should not be used if you have a history of ulcer disease, a bleeding disorder, or if you are allergic to them. Persons with aspirin allergies should not take ibuprofen.
• Smoke aggravates mucous membranes. Do not smoke and avoid smoky environments.
• Rest your voice as much as possible.

Fever

Fever is one of our body’s natural defense mechanisms against infection. When a virus or bacteria enters our body, the immune system reacts by raising our internal thermostat. This creates chilling and shivering which generates heat to raise the body temperature. Aspirin, acetaminofen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen “reset” the body’s thermostat to normal. The body will react by sweating to cool itself down.

• Drink plenty of extra fluids (8-10 glasses per day).
• Rest.
• Dress lightly.
• Take aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed on their labels. Persons with mild fevers (under 102°F / 39°C) need only take these medicines if uncomfortable or for headaches/bodyaches.)
• For fevers over 102°F / 39°C, if fever has not lessened in 30 minutes after taking fever medication, take a lukewarm shower to help lower body temperature.

Increasing Your Immunity

• Zinc may help reduce the duration of a cold. “Cold-eeze” lozenges (13.3 mg of elemental zinc) or Zicam Nasal Spray are available.
• Vitamin C may help reduce cold symptoms.
• Echinaceae may assist in reducing cold symptoms. “Echinaforce” has been shown to be the most effective form.

Prevention

It may be difficult to keep from catching a cold, but there are some things that you can do to reduce your chances.

• Wash hands regularly and avoid touching your face. Do not rely on germicidal lotions or other such products, as they may not kill Rhinovirus, the most common cold virus.
• Avoid prolonged contact with people who have colds.
• Keep your immune system strong by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, exercising regularly, minimizing unhealthy stress, not smoking and keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum.

When To See A Healthcare Provider

A cold can lead to a more serious secondary bacterial infection. If you are not feeling any better after 7-10 days, or if you have any of the following symptoms, see your healthcare provider:

• pain or pressure around the eyes
• painful swelling in the neck glands
• painful breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• severe headache
• fever greater than 100.5 for longer than 2 days
• extremely red throat or difficulty swallowing
• if you have a fever with a cough or if your cough medicine is not working