Colds
The common cold
The cold is the most commonly occurring illness in the entire world, with more than 1 billion colds per year reported in the United States alone. Colds are caused by viruses and are therefore not treated with antibiotics.
The common cold is characterized by symptoms including stuffy and/or runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, headache, and coughing. These symptoms usually last only five to 10 days. In more extreme cases, symptoms can also include "pink eye", muscle aches, fatigue, malaise, muscle weakness, and loss of appetite.
Colds are upper respiratory tract infections that are contagious. Occasionally, complications occur leading to a variety of more serious conditions, including bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, or strep throat, and some of these complications may require an antibiotic.
Cold symptoms can be treated by a variety of over-the-counter medications, including nasal decongestants, antihistamines, and cough suppressants and expectorants. It’s also important to get plenty of rest and drink a lot of fluids.
