Common cold

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.

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.

Latest publication date: 23/12/2024
Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith