Common cold

Symptoms and causes

Characteristics:

The common cold is usually caused by a virus and is said to be viral.

Symptoms include:

sneezing
congested nose
runny nose
fatigue
muscular pain
headache

You can infect others in your environment by sneezing (with nasal mucous) and via contact. Wash your hands thoroughly and avoid contact where possible.

Diagnosis and treatment

For a common cold, you usually do not need to do anything other than rest and give yourself time to get better. If necessary, you may do nasal saline rinses, use an anti-inflammatory nasal spray for a short time or use anti-inflammatories.

Treatment centres and specialisations

Ear, nose, and throat diseases (ENT)

ENT, otorhinolaryngology, ORL

Latest publication date: 19/08/2024
Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith

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Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith