Heading Into The Cooler,
Winter Months
Heading into the cooler, winter months
Colds, or upper respiratory tract infections, are the most common cause of illness in children and adults. Most colds are caused by a virus. There are over 200 types of viruses that can cause the common cold, which is why it’s not possible to be immunised against a cold.
Colds are more common in the winter months. Cold weather by itself does not increase the chance of getting a cold. People are in closer contact with each other at this time of year, because they stay indoors, and so are more likely to infect each other. The viruses that cause colds are spread by sneezing, coughing and hand contact.
Symptoms of colds
The symptoms of a cold include various combinations of:
- A stuffy or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Headache
- Red eyes
- Swelling of lymph glands
- Fever (occasionally)
- There may be loss of appetite and, sometimes, nausea and some vomiting.
The actual symptoms will vary from person to person and from illness to illness. Usually, the symptoms will last from a few days to a week or more and the person recovers fully without any ongoing problems.
Prevention and staying healthy is important but also seeking medical advice and seeing your doctor is essential when you or your child show signs of a viral and bacterial infection.
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