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Narrative Report

The common cold is a contagious viral infection of the upper respiratory tract
(nose and throat). It is self-limiting, meaning that it clears up by itself without
the need for special medical treatment. It is also one of the most widespread
infectious diseases in the world. It is caused by about 200 different viruses
belonging to at least eight different families of viruses. For most people, the
classic symptoms of a cold are an irritated nose or scratchy/itchy throat
within eight hours to two days after infection, followed quickly by a runny
nose and sneezing.
A person can get a cold by inhaling the virus directly if they are sitting close
to an infected person who is sneezing or coughing. A cold virus typically
enters the body through the nasal passages or mouth, but can also enter
through the mucous membranes covering the eyes. The virus spreads to the
tissues lining the area between the nose and the back of the throat, where it
rapidly multiplies. They can also get a cold by touching their eyes, nose, or
mouth after touching an object or surface contaminated by the virus. People
with colds are most likely to spread the virus to others during the first two to
three days of infection. After that they are much less contagious.
In addition to the runny nose, sneezing, and coughing associated with the
common cold, people may also have:
Low-grade fever (101F or 38.8C)
Muscle aches
Headache
Loss of the senses of taste and smell
Loss of appetite
Sore throat
For most people, the diagnosis of a cold is obvious from its symptoms,
particularly if they know they have recently been exposed to someone else
with a cold. Most people do not need to see a doctor to be diagnosed with a

cold. They should, however, see their doctor if they have any of the following
symptoms, which may indicate an allergy or a more serious illness:
The symptoms last longer than two weeks.
The patient has a fever of 102F (38.9C) or higher.
They are coughing up thick mucus.
They have severely swollen glands.
They have severe pain in the sinuses.
They are having chills or night sweats, or are extremely fatigued.
There is no cure for the common cold. Treatment is aimed at relieving the
sneezing and other symptoms until the bodys immune system clears the
virus.
The following precautions, however, can lower a persons risk of getting
frequent colds:
Stay away from people with colds whenever possible.
Wash the hands frequently.
Avoid touching the mouth and face after being exposed to someone with a
cold.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Keep kitchen and bathroom countertops and other surfaces clean.
Wash childrens toys after play.
Do not share drinking glasses, cups, or food utensils. Use disposable paper
cups when sick to protect other family members.

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