In this Article

• What is the common cold, and what causes it?
• What are the symptoms of the common cold?
• How is the common cold spread?
• Does it have anything to do with exposure to cold weather?
• What is the difference between the common cold and influenza (the flu)?
• What is the treatment for the common cold?
• Are antibiotics a suitable treatment for the common cold?
• When should a doctor or other health-care practitioner be consulted?
• How do you prevent the common cold?
• Common Cold At A Glance
• Pictures of Natural Cold & Flu Remedies - Slideshow
• Patient Discussions: Common Cold - What You Do To Avoid
• Common Cold Glossary
• Common Cold Index

How do you prevent the common cold?

The most important measure to prevent the common cold is frequent hand washing, as this can destroy viruses that you have acquired from touching contaminated surfaces. Also, try to avoid sharing utensils and try to use disposable items (such as disposable cups) if someone in your family has a cold. Finally, lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and stress management may decrease your susceptibility to acquiring the common cold.

Common Cold At A Glance

• The common cold is caused by many different viruses.
• Being in cold weather does not cause the common cold.
• There are effective over-the-counter medications for treatment of the common cold.
• Antibiotics do not help the common cold.
• The common cold can generally be managed at home.

Medically reviewed by James Gerace, MD, Board Certified American Board of Internal Medicine with additional certification by the Subspecialty Board of Pulmonary Disease

Common Cold - What You Do To Avoid

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