Common Cold

Most people get two or three colds per year. The common cold is caused by viruses and it is highly infectious. It is spread by close personal contact or droplets from coughs and sneezes. Overcrowding and poor ventilation contribute to the spread of these and other similar viruses.

The symptoms of a cold can include:

• Sneezing
• Blocked or runny nose (watery at first becoming thicker and yellowish green)
• Sore nose and throat
• Headache
• Muscle aches and lack of energy
• Slightly raised temperature
• Loss of taste and smell

You can treat a cold yourself. Stay hydrated and rest. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen will help with headaches and muscle aches.

Sneezing and a blocked, runny or itchy nose can also be caused by an allergy. This is called allergic rhinitis. It tends to occur soon after being exposed to the substance you are allergic to. Hay fever is a common allergy to pollen from plants flowers and trees. Within the house you can be allergic to dust mites, mould and animals.

Non-allergic rhinitis includes the common cold but can also be caused by changes in weather, exercise, smoke, perfumes and paint fumes and spicy food.