The typical symptoms are cough, which is milder most of the times. They may also have a runny nose, nasal congestion sore throat, and the color of the nasal secretion may vary form clear to green thick secretion. There might also be fatigue, feeling of mild depression, headache, loss of appetite and muscle ache. Fever is a common presenting symptom in infants but not generally present in adults. If fever is seen in an adult, influenza should be considered [7].

Some patients may present with complications like otitis media, chronic bronchitis, otitis media. Aggravation of reactive airways in susceptible patients.

• Cervical Lymphadenopathy

  Infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever) : presents with persistent severe sore throat, fever, cervical lymphadenopathy and malaise; it is particularly common in teenagers and young adults. [patient.info]

  Anterior cervical lymphadenopathy is common in bacterial pharyngitis and difficulty in swallowing may be present. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Fever

  Common cold and flu are the most common human illnesses, and over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are widely used to treat the pain and fever symptoms. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  When to see a doctor For adults — seek medical attention if you have: Fever greater than 101.3 F (38.5 C) Fever lasting five days or more or returning after a fever-free period Shortness of breath Wheezing Severe sore throat, headache or sinus pain For [mayoclinic.com]

• Pain

  For outcomes related to the analgesic effects of NSAIDs (headache, ear pain, and muscle and joint pain) the treatment produced significant benefits. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Chills

  Delayed effects of chilling A delayed effect of chilling on the incidence of colds and symptoms was observed in the 4/5 days following the chill procedure. [fampra.oxfordjournals.org]

  Experimenters soon stopped chilling animals in the laboratory and began chilling people instead. [nytimes.com]

  Dulcamara When a person comes down with a cold after getting wet and chilled, or if colds come on when the weather changes, this remedy should come to mind. A stopped-up nose and face pain are likely. [uofmhealth.org]

• Malaise

  New knowledge of the effects of cytokines in human beings now helps to explain some of the symptoms of colds and flu that were previously in the realm of folklore rather than medicine-eg, fever, anorexia, malaise, chilliness, headache, and muscle aches [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Influenza : initially presents with systemic symptoms, including fever, rigors, headaches, myalgia, malaise and anorexia. [patient.info]

• Fatigue

  Scores of symptoms typically responsive to ibuprofen (headache, pharyngeal pain, joint pain and fever), typically responsive to pseudoephedrine (congested nose, congested sinus and runny nose), considered non-specific (sneezing, fatigue, dry cough, cough [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  The symptoms of flu can include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue (tiredness). Cold symptoms are usually milder than the symptoms of flu. [web.archive.org]

• Cough

  Two previous studies incorporating capsaicin cough challenge methodology have demonstrated that cough reflex sensitivity is transiently enhanced during URI. These studies used single measurements of cough reflex sensitivity during the URI period. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Sneezing

  […] on a four- or five-point severity scale; sneezing on day three: MD -0.35, 95% CI -0.49 to -0.20 on a four-point severity scale), but this effect is clinically non-significant. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Move away from people before coughing or sneezing. Cough and sneeze into a tissue then throw it away, or cough and sneeze into your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose. [cdc.gov]

  Subjective severity assessment of sneezing ‐ all trials: mean severity assessment of sneezing ‐ first day of treatment ( Analysis 9.1 ), mean severity assessment of sneezing ‐ second day of treatment ( Analysis 9.2 ), mean severity assessment of sneezing [doi.org]

  Cough and sneeze into a tissue then throw it away, or cough and sneeze into your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and objects [web.archive.org]

• Sore Throat

  Bacterial infections in the throat can cause a sore throat or tonsillitis. Infections of the upper airways only very rarely cause serious complications like pneumonia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Sore throats The finding of no benefit from antibiotics for sore throat was expected. We would suggest the reader read the Cochrane Review on antibiotics for sore throat ( Spinks 2011 ). [doi.org]

  Antipyretics and analgesics may relieve fever and sore throat. Nasal decongestants may reduce nasal obstruction. [merckmanuals.com]

  Presentation The most frequent symptoms are nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, sneezing, sore throat, general malaise and cough. [patient.info]

• Nasal Congestion

  […] decongestants with placebo, but only five reported on the primary outcome, subjective symptom scores for nasal congestion. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Subjective symptom scores for nasal congestion (self‐reported scores of congestion) 1.1. [doi.org]

  Subjective symptom scores for nasal congestion. (Self reported scores of congestion). Objective measures of nasal airways resistance (NAR). Adverse events. [dx.doi.org]

• Rhinitis

  […] acute clear rhinitis. [doi.org]

  […] and acute clear rhinitis lasting less than 10 days before the intervention.To determine whether there are significant adverse outcomes associated with antibiotic therapy for participants with a clinical diagnosis of acute URTI or acute purulent rhinitis [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Overeating

  Total mean difference in scores between day zero to five demonstrated a significant difference of honey's efficacy over placebo (p < 0.002) however no difference was noted when compared to salbutamol (p < 0.478). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Over-the-counter treatments for children under the age of 6 years Over-the-counter cough and cold measures should not be used in children under the age of 6 years. [patient.info]

• Loss of Appetite

  Patient may also have headache, weakness, muscle pain, loss of appetite and a general feeling of unwell. Diagnosis: Diagnosis is usually clinical, and made by the doctor. [symptoma.com]

  […] of appetite Cold: Sometimes Flu: Common Symptom: Sneezing Cold: Common Flu: Sometimes Symptom: Cough Cold: Common Flu: Sometimes Symptom: Sore throat Cold: Common Flu: Sometimes Symptom: Chest congestion, discomfort Cold: Common (mild to moderate) Flu [my.clevelandclinic.org]

  Antibiotic versus placebo, loss of appetite [doi.org]

  Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, feeling unwell, feeling chilled, with headache, muscle aches, and pains. Many signs and symptoms are caused by congestion from swelling of membranes and thickened mucus inside the nose. [cochrane.org]

  In addition, take your baby or child to the doctor if they have: a bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on top of the baby's head); excessive irritability; high pitched cry; loss of appetite; or earache. [mydr.com.au]

• Halitosis

  Clinical symptoms include nasal congestion and obstruction, purulent nasal discharge, maxillary tooth pain, facial pain or pressure, fever, fatigue, cough, hyposmia or anosmia, ear pressure or fullness, headache, and halitosis. [doi.org]

• Chest Pain

  pain (MD = -0.40, 95% CI [-0.77, -0.03], and P = 0.03), fever (MD = -0.45, 95% CI [-0.78, -0.11], and P = 0.009), and chills (MD = -0.36, 95% CI [-0.65, -0.07], and P = 0.01). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  You have trouble breathing or chest pains. You can't keep anything down. You have a sore throat, and it hurts to swallow. [verywell.com]

• Tachycardia

  When given parenterally to humans, interferons cause signs and symptoms such as fever, tachycardia, and malaise, and they may well be responsible for symptoms of this sort in viral infections. [oadoi.org]

  urinary retention Decongestants Oral: agitation, anorexia, dysrhythmia, dystonic reactions, headache, hypertension, irritability, nausea, palpitations, seizure, sleeplessness, tachycardia, vomiting Topical: drying of nasal membranes, nosebleeds, rebound [aafp.org]

  Table 3 Adverse Effects Associated with Cold Therapies Therapy Adverse effects Antihistamines Arrhythmia, blurred vision, dizziness, dry mouth, hallucinations, heart block, paradoxic excitability, respiratory depression, sedation, tachycardia, urinary [web.archive.org]

  There was probably little or no difference in numbers of events in the honey, no‐treatment, placebo, dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and salbutamol groups for other non‐severe adverse events such as rash and tachycardia. [doi.org]

• Sweating

  Belladonna This remedy relieves high fever of sudden onset with sweating. Euphrasia Red, watery, irritated eyes, frequent sneezing, and a mild, clear nasal discharge suggests a need for this remedy. [uofmhealth.org]

  Minor side effects (including gastrointestinal adverse events, dizziness, dry mouth, somnolence and increased sweating) in the acetaminophen group were reported in two of the four studies. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  DON’T “sweat out” your illness. This is a potentially dangerous myth, and there is no data to support that exercise during an illness helps cure it. DO stay in bed if your illness is “systemic” – that is, spread beyond your head. [web.archive.org]

  Symptom: Body aches Cold: Sometimes (usually mild) Flu: Common (can be severe) Symptom: Fatigue Cold: Sometimes (usually mild) Flu: Common (can last up to 2-3 weeks) Symptom: Exhaustion Cold: Never Flu: Common (at the start of the flu) Symptom: Chills, sweat [my.clevelandclinic.org]

  Drink plenty of fluids When you have a cold, you lose a lot of fluid from sweating or having a running nose. Water, juice, soups and clear broth will alleviate congestion and prevent dehydration. [thesun.co.uk]

• Skin Rash

  rash or pale or mottled skin; vomiting; or unusual drowsiness. [mydr.com.au]

  However, a study published in 2004 reported that the herb failed to relieve cold symptoms in 400 children taking it and caused skin rashes in some children. Prognosis Given time, the body will make antibodies to cure itself of a cold. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Possible side effects in this small trial included odour and a skin rash. More information is needed about the possible side effects of garlic. [doi.org]

• Increased Sweating

  Minor side effects (including gastrointestinal adverse events, dizziness, dry mouth, somnolence and increased sweating) in the acetaminophen group were reported in two of the four studies. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Dermatitis

  Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a non-contagious inflammatory skin condition. It is a chronic disease characterized by dry, itchy skin that can weep clear fluid when scratched. [tools.wmflabs.org]

  Contact Dermatitis 2006 ; 55 : 291 -4. ↵ Hall CB, Douglas RG. Modes of transmission of respiratory syncytial virus. J Paediatr 1981 ; 99 : 100 -3. ↵ Leclair JM, Freeman J, Sullivan BF, Crowley CM, Goldmann DA. [dx.doi.org]

• Petechiae

  Suspicious symptoms include persistent fever, rigors, night sweats, tender lymph nodes, tonsillopharyngeal exudates, scarlatiniform rash, palatal petechiae, and swollen tonsils. [doi.org]

• Myalgia

  We extracted and summarised data on global efficacies of analgesic effects (such as reduction of headache and myalgia), non-analgesic effects (such as reduction of nasal symptoms, cough, sputum and sneezing) and side effects. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Secondly, the trial included participants with myalgia and fever, which did not meet our inclusion criteria. [doi.org]

  Influenza : initially presents with systemic symptoms, including fever, rigors, headaches, myalgia, malaise and anorexia. [patient.info]

• Arthralgia

  These medications effectively relieve pain from headache, myalgias, and arthralgias experienced during a cold; however, decreased sneezing is the only effect they have on respiratory symptoms. 34 The ACCP has concluded that naproxen (Naprosyn) is beneficial [aafp.org]

• Headache

  A headache that becomes more severe over a 24 hour period should be assessed by a doctor. [livestrong.com]

  For outcomes related to the analgesic effects of NSAIDs (headache, ear pain, and muscle and joint pain) the treatment produced significant benefits. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Signs and symptoms, which can vary from person to person, might include: Runny or stuffy nose Sore throat Cough Congestion Slight body aches or a mild headache Sneezing Low-grade fever Generally feeling unwell (malaise) The discharge from your nose may [mayoclinic.com]

• Confusion

  Cough suppressants May help reduce cough Benzonatate Confusion and stomach upset Codeine Constipation, drowsiness, difficulty urinating, and stomach upset Dextromethorphan Minimal, but at high doses, confusion, nervousness, and irritability Decongestants [merckmanuals.com]

  Consumers may be confused by the wide variety of products available, containing ≥ 1 active pharmaceutical ingredient. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  People often confuse the common cold and the flu. It's understandable since the symptoms of the two are so similar. They are both primarily respiratory viruses that can leave you feeling pretty lousy, but there are some key differences. [verywell.com]

  Medical attention is required if someone experiences confusion, physical instability, memory loss, numbness or a change in vision or speech, accompanied by a severe headache. If the headache is felt in the eye, it may be a sign of an eye infection. [livestrong.com]

• Dizziness

  Some of the many viruses that cause colds may cause mild additional symptoms such as sore throat, weakness, dizziness, and tearing. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  This dizziness, or vertigo, is felt as if the environment is moving and spinning around him. The vertigo is usually very intense and causes severe nausea and vomiting. [healthxchange.sg]

  Moreover, because most of these medicines have some side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, or upset stomach, you should take them with care. [web.archive.org]

  Colds can also affect the inner ear mechanism and therefore lead to risk of dizziness and spatial disorientation – both very serious flight hazards [3]. [skybrary.aero]

• Giddiness

  Seven subjects in the active treatment group reported giddiness/drowsiness compared to four subjects in the placebo group. [dx.doi.org]

• Vertigo

  This dizziness, or vertigo, is felt as if the environment is moving and spinning around him. The vertigo is usually very intense and causes severe nausea and vomiting. [healthxchange.sg]

  The symptoms are uncharacteristic vertigo and, in some cases, hearing impairment and tinnitus. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  If one ear equalises, but the other doesn’t, then a form of pressure vertigo can be experienced as dizziness, which is not helpful for aircrew, especially pilots. [skybrary.aero]

  Figures and Tables - Analysis 11.11 Comparison 11 Side effects, Outcome 11 Vertigo/dizziness. Figures and Tables - Analysis 11.12 Comparison 11 Side effects, Outcome 12 Dry mouth. Summary of findings for the main comparison. [doi.org]

Diagnosis of common cold can generally made on the basis of a thorough history and the typical physical findings. If the history and physical examination point to a viral cause, a serious work up is unnecessary.

The white blood cell count might be elevated within the first 3 days although this has little clinical relevance or diagnostic value. Complete blood count and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate also have no benefit. Viral cultures have little or no significant clinical value because of the prolonged time it takes to obtain the result.

Isolation of the particular strain of virus is difficult and even if it is possible, has no bearing on the clinical course or outcome.

If the specific viral diagnosis is however required, culture can be obtained from nasal secretions. Real-time microarray and Polymerase chain reaction could also be used.

If there is suspicion of a secondary infection, then a bacteria culture should be done. A chest x-ray should also be done if involvement of the lower respiratory tract is suspected.

There is no known cure for common cold, as such, treatment centers on providing symptomatic relief and supportive care [8].

Supportive care include; nursing at a 45 degree angle, plenty of rest, proper hydration, disinfecting the environment, use of decongestants, cessation of smoking and alcohol, eating hot soups, and use of nasal saline drops.

Medication that may be used include analgesics for pain, decongestants to relieve the airways and antihistamines to mediate the inflammatory reaction [9].

Antibiotics may be used if a bacterial superinfection is suspected.

The common cold is a self-limiting disease and the attacks are generally mild. The patients begin to show signs of improvement within a week. Half of infected individuals attain full recovery within 10 days while by day 15, over 90% of cases would have been resolved. Complications, though rare, may occur in young children, the elderly, the malnourished and the immunosuppressed. Secondary bacterial infection may complicate up to 30% of cases [6].

It is caused by a number of viruses. The most implicated virus is a type of picovirus called rhinovirus. Others viruses are influenza virus, human coronavirus, adenovirus, human respiratory syncytial virus, enterovirus, parainfluenza virus and a host of many other viruses. Usually, one or more virus may be responsible for a particular attack.

It is a communicable disease and is transmitted via aerosols, direct contact with secretions from sick people and from contaminated object [2].

Aggravating factor for this condition includes cold weather. Most of the viruses causing common cold thrive during the cold seasons for yet undetermined reasons. This has led to a belief that it can be caught from prolonged exposure to cold weather. There are number of hypothesis to explain increased susceptibility to cold viruses during the cold seasons. Other risk factors are poor immunity, malnutrition and sleep deprivation.

The common cold is the most common disease affecting the human race. It affects people of all ages, all races and both sexes. It affects children more than adults, affecting children as many as 12 times a year compared to 5 times in adults. Low income earners and the underdeveloped population are at increased risk of developing complications from common cold [3].

The mechanism of the response of the immune system is specific for the causative virus. Rhinoviruses which are characteristically acquired by direct contact, bind to some receptors in humans via unknown mechanisms and trigger the release of inflammatory mediators. These inflammatory mediators are responsible for the symptoms seen in common cold. Rhinoviruses typically do not damage the nasal epithelium [4].

Respiratory syncytial virus is acquired through droplet infection and direct contact. It first replicates in the nose and then the throat, as it continues its spread to the lower respiratory tract. This virus will damage the epithelium [5]. The symptoms seen in common cold are primarily due to the immune response to the viral invasion.

Due to the mode of spread, preventive measures include regular handwashing, avoiding putting the finger in the nose and eye, use of hand-sanitizers and the use of facemasks when the person is around infected people [10].

Common cold is caused by virus and it is infectious and communicable. It is also a fairly common disease and can affect a person more than once a year. Like most viral disease, it has no cure and is self-limiting, running its course within a week.

Definition: Common cold is a disease of the upper respiratory tract like nose and throat. It is a very common disease and it affects people of all ages. It is self-limiting.

Cause: It is caused by one of several viruses including rhinovirus and parainfluenza virus. Some of these viruses thrive in the colder seasons. It can be spread by inhaling aerosols from infected persons, touching infected secretion or contaminated surfaces and then touching the eye or nose.

Symptoms: These include, cough, runny nose, congested nostrils, and sore throat. Patient may also have headache, weakness, muscle pain, loss of appetite and a general feeling of unwell.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis is usually clinical, and made by the doctor. Laboratory tests offer no significant clinical value and are only ordered on very rare occasions.

Treatment: This is usually supportive and it is aimed at relieving the nasal congestions, reducing the pain and managing the inflammation. This can be done by a number of drug and non-drug regimen.

1. Puhakka T, Mäkelä MJ, Alanen A, et al. Sinusitis in the common cold. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1998; 102:403.
2. Gwaltney JM Jr, Moskalski PB, Hendley JO. Hand-to-hand transmission of rhinovirus colds. Ann Intern Med 1978; 88:463.
3. Heikkinen T, Järvinen A. The common cold. Lancet 2003; 361:51.
4. Turner RB. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of the common cold. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1997; 78:531.
5. Hall CB, Douglas RG Jr. Modes of transmission of respiratory syncytial virus. J Pediatr. Jul 1981;99(1):100-3.
6. Thompson M, Vodicka TA, Blair PS, et al. Duration of symptoms of respiratory tract infections in children: systematic review. BMJ 2013; 347:f7027.
7. Tyrrell DA, Cohen S, Schlarb JE. Signs and symptoms in common colds. Epidemiol Infect 1993; 111:143.
8. Simasek M, Blandino DA. Treatment of the common cold. Am Fam Physician 2007; 75:515.
9. Luks D, Anderson MR. Antihistamines and the common cold. A review and critique of the literature. J Gen Intern Med 1996; 11:240.
10. Jefferson T, Del Mar C, Dooley L, et al. Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010; :CD006207.