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The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms include a stuffy nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and maybe a fever. Antibiotics have no effect upon the common cold, and there is no evidence that zinc and vitamin C are effective treatments.

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    Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Sinus Infection Sinus infection (sinusitis) signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of...learn more »
      In This Article
      Sinus Infection Article
      • Sinus infection facts
      • What is a sinus?
      • What is a sinus infection?
      • What causes sinus infections?
      • What are the types of sinusitis?
      • What are the signs and symptoms of sinus infection?
      • How is sinus infection diagnosed?
      • How is sinus infection treated?
      • Are there home remedies for a sinus infection?
      • What are complications of sinus infection?
      • Can sinus infection be prevented?
      • Related sinus infection article:
        Sinus infection - on eMedicineHealth
    • Swollen Lymph Nodes Lymph nodes help the body's immune system fight infections. Causes of swollen lymph nodes (glands) may include infection (viral,...learn more »
      In This Article
      Swollen Lymph Nodes Article
      • What are lymph nodes?
      • Where are the lymph nodes located in the body?
      • Picture of lymph nodes located in the body
      • What are the causes of swollen lymph nodes?
      • What are the symptoms of swollen lymph nodes?
      • How are swollen lymph nodes diagnosed?
      • How are swollen lymph nodes treated?
      • When should I see the doctor for swollen lymph nodes?
      • What are the common lymph nodes that may get swollen?
      • What are the complications of swollen lymph nodes?
      • Swollen Lymph Nodes At A Glance
    • Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) Most sore throats are caused by viruses or mechanical causes (such as mouth breathing) and can be treated successfully at home....learn more »
      In This Article
      Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) Article
      • Sore throat facts
      • What causes a sore throat?
      • What are the symptoms of a sore throat?
      • How long should a sore throat last?
      • What are home remedies for a sore throat?
      • What is strep throat and why is it different?
      • When should I seek medical care for a sore throat?
      • What is the treatment for sore throat?
      • What if I have multiple recurrent episodes of strep throat?
      • What can I do if I have a sore throat and am pregnant?
    • Headache Headaches can be divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Migraine headaches, tension headaches,...learn more »
      In This Article
      Headache Article
      • Headache facts
      • What is a headache?
      • How are headaches classified?
      • What are primary headaches?
      • What are secondary headaches?
      • What are cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches?
      • What causes tension headaches?
      • What are the symptoms of tension headaches?
      • How are tension headaches diagnosed?
      • How are tension headaches treated?
      • What causes cluster headaches?
      • What are the symptoms of cluster headaches?
      • How are cluster headaches diagnosed?
      • How are cluster headaches treated?
      • Can cluster headaches be prevented?
      • What diseases cause secondary headaches?
      • How are secondary headaches diagnosed?
      • What are the exams and tests for secondary headaches?
      • When should I seek medical care for a headache?
    • Upper Respiratory Tract Infection An upper respiratory infection is a contagious infection of the structures of the upper respiratory tract, which includes the...learn more »
      In This Article
      Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Article
      • Upper respiratory infection facts
      • What is an upper respiratory infection?
      • Is an upper respiratory infection contagious?
      • What are the causes of upper respiratory infection?
      • What are the risk factors for upper respiratory infection?
      • What are the symptoms of upper respiratory infection?
      • When should you seek medical care for upper respiratory infection?
      • How is an upper respiratory infection diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for upper respiratory infection?
      • What are some of the home remedies for upper respiratory infection?
      • What are some data on alternative therapies in treating upper respiratory infections?
      • What are the complications of an upper respiratory infection?
      • Can an upper respiratory infection be prevented?
      • What is the outlook for a patient suffering from an upper respiratory infection?
    • Eustachian Tube Problems (Problems Clearing Your Ears) The Eustachian tube is a membrane lined tube that connects the middle ear space to the back of the nose. Problems include partial...learn more »
      In This Article
      Eustachian Tube Problems (Problems Clearing Your Ears) Article
      • What is the Eustachian tube?
      • What are the functions of the Eustachian tube
      • What can cause Eustachian tube blockage?
      • How do altitude changes or air travel affect Eustachian tube problems?
      • How is Eustachian tube blockage treated?
      • Eustachian Tube Problems At A Glance

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Terms related to Common Cold:

  • Cold
  • Head Cold