Cold

A cold is a virus that affects the upper respiratory tract (the throat and nose). It is very contagious and there is no cure for the cold at present.

What are the symptoms of a cold ?

The main symptoms of a cold are:

Cough
Sore throat
Runny and/or blocked nose.
Sneezing

Other symptoms include:

Muscle aches
Fatigue
Headaches
Muscle weakness
Uncontrollable shivering
Loss of appetite
And rarely, extreme exhaustion.

Symptoms can be more severe in infants and young children.

Germ 3

Germ

Germ 2

How can I avoid catching a cold ?

The best way to try and avoid catching a cold is to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. Anti-bacterial soaps and hand washes will not affect the illness, because it is a virus and these are designed to kill bacteria. The benefits of using soap are that the actions of rubbing hands together and rinsing off, actually removes the virus from the hands.

Alternatively, use an alcohol based hand gel and look out for one like Milton that kills bacteria and viruses

Also try and stay away from anybody that you know is suffering from a cold.

If you catch a cold, you should follow some basic hygiene principles:

Throw away used tissues immediately after use.
Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or a hand gel if you're out and about

For more information, you can speak to NHS Direct or visit their website.