How Cold Is Too Cold To Go Outside? - MedicineNet

What is cold infection?

A cold or common cold is a viral infection. It affects the upper respiratory system, which includes nose, mouth, throat, and lungs. The common cold is a self-limited, though a highly contagious disease. The common cold is the most frequently occurring viral infection in the world. It is usually caused by virus group called rhinoviruses, which is contagious. The common cold is spread either by direct contact with infected secretions from contaminated surfaces or by inhaling the airborne virus after individuals sneeze or cough. A few days after the virus sets in, you may experience cold symptoms:

• Low-grade fever
• Cough
• Sore throat/irritation in throat
• Headache
• Weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Cough (often worse at night)
• Recurrent sneezing
• Nose congestion or running nose
• Loss of appetite
• Body aches
• Hoarseness (change in voice)
• Watery or red eyes

Treatment for cold:

Usually, body defends itself automatically against the virus, and this immune response usually clears up the symptoms within a week or 10 days. There is no cure, but the symptoms may be eased through over the counter medications. It should be noted that antibiotics do not work for common cold as cold is usually causes by the virus. Common treatment therapies or remedies include:

• Drink plenty of liquids such as soups, Gatorade, warm water, and green tea.
• Taking over the counter medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen according to the label instructions may help relieve fever, headaches, and body aches.
• Cough syrup often includes antitussive agents, designed to suppress coughing, or expectorants that can loosen mucus in the throat, which may help treat symptoms of cold.
• Some findings show taking zinc tablets or diet enriched with zinc may buildup stronger immune system to fight cold virus.
• Nasal steroid spray such as Flonase (fluticasone) along with nasal irrigation such as neti pot helps thin mucus and flush out the congestion. This can be done with a mix of distilled water and salt.
• Using honey in warm water can help soothe sore, scratchy throats and suppress cold symptoms.
• Getting sufficient rest is necessary.

Not everyone may require doctor supervision or attention for common cold as it is self-limited contagious disease. However, teens with weak immune system or pre-existing respiratory infections such as asthma or pneumonia may require doctor supervision. A teen may need medical attention if they have below conditions:

• If cold symptoms last for more than a week or appear at the same time every year or whenever they are exposed to pollen, dust, animals, or some other substance (allergy)
• Trouble breathing or wheeze during cold (such as asthma)
• Worsening symptoms
• Cough if lasts for more than two to three weeks
• Inability to keep food or liquids down
• Increasing headache or facial or throat pain
• Severe painful sore throat
• Fever of 103°F (39.3°C) or higher, or a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) that lasts for more than a day
• Chest or stomach pain
• Swollen glands (lymph nodes)
• Earache
• Very young child