It is estimated that in one year people in the U.S. suffer 1 billion colds. Adults average about 2 to 4 colds a year, although the range varies widely. Colds are most prevalent among children, who average 6 to 10 colds a year. 

People with colds carry viral particles on their hands for a couple of hours after touching their own noses. They can transmit the cold virus to another by direct contact (handshake eg) or by contaminating surfaces that others touch and then spread to their own noses, mouths, or eyes. Viral particles can also be spread when cold sufferers sneeze, cough, or just exhale. Colds are not caused by cold temperatures, but some cold viruses are acquired more often in the fall and spring, others in the winter, and still others are responsible for most colds during the summer. It is not uncommon for adults to have 2-3 colds per year, and children 5-7.

Not everyone who is exposed to a cold virus catches a cold. Your body may have previously developed immunity to a particular rhinovirus. Other factors are age, general health, smoking, lack of sleep, and intensity and duration of the exposure. It has not been proven that stress suppresses your body's natural immunity, but research has linked psychological stress to a greater incidence of colds.

Much of the research on the transmission of the common cold has been done with rhinoviruses, which are shed in the highest concentration in nasal secretions. Studies suggest a person is most likely to transmit rhinoviruses in the second to fourth day of infection, when the amount of virus in nasal secretions is highest. Researchers also have shown that using aspirin to treat colds increases the amount of virus shed in nasal secretions, possibly making the cold sufferer more of a hazard to others. Teenagers and children should not take aspirin for a cold because it can cause Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness. 

Fluids: Keep well hydrated, a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily is reasonable.

Rest: Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep daily - "baby yourself" with extra rest if possible.

Stop or cut back on smoking: Smokers catch more colds, recover from them more slowly, and are more prone to complications. Learn more about smoking cessation.

Lozenges/cough drops/sore throat sprays: There are many brands, some with "pain numbing" features, but even hard candy can provide some coating, soothing action.

Humidifying the air: Steam in the form of hot showers, a wet towel hung in the room, a pan of water on the radiator, or best yet, a vaporizer/humidifier in your room can help congestion symptoms.

Other treatments: Zinc lozenges, Vitamin C, herbal products such as Echinacea are advertised to treat or prevent colds. While none are likely to cause harm, unless large amounts are taken over a long period, none have been consistently effective in clinical trials.

For nasal/sinus congestion and post nasal drip:

Daytime: Try pseudoephedrine (eg, Sudagest/Sudafed) following package directions. This decongestant pill is the most effective oral decongestant, but it must be requested at stores as it is kept "behind the counter" rather than out on the shelf. Don't take it near bedtime as some people are kept awake by it.

At bedtime: Try decongestant/antihistamine combination (eg, Aprodine/Actifed per directions), which is less likely to interfere with sleep. This is also kept "behind the counter". Antihistamine products used alone for cold symptoms are less helpful for most people because of drying or sedating side effects.

Day or night: Decongestant nasal sprays (e.g., Afrin or generic equivalent, per package directions) can also be very effective for nasal and sinus congestion, but only for 3 days; after that some rebound congestion can occur.

Saline irrigation: Try a Neti Pot or other sinus irrigation system (e.g., McNeil Sinus Rinse) per product instructions, to clear your sinuses and posterior throat of mucus, by rinsing them out with saline solution. Especially for individuals prone to developing sinus infections after a cold, this may be a very helpful technique.

For fever, body aches, headache, sore throat:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) regular strength 325 mg tabs - 2 tabs every 4-6 hours as needed.**
OR
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) extra strength 500 mg
tabs - 2 tabs every 6 hours as needed.**
OR
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin e.g.) over the counter strength - 200 mg tabs - 2 tabs every 4 hours as needed with food, or 3 tabs every 6 hours with food.**
OR as directed by your provider.

**Do not take more than 4000 mg acetaminophen daily or more than 2400 mg ibuprofen daily.
**Some over-the-counter cold products contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen in combination with other products, so be careful to read labels to avoid excessive doses. Similarly, read labels to make sure you know whether you are taking regular or extra strength acetaminophen, as this medicine is toxic at excessive doses.

For cough:

There is debate among experts about the usefulness of cough suppressants and expectorants for cough that comes along with a cold. Generally, a wet, productive cough that produces mucus is good as it clears secretions. If your cough disturbs your sleep, try a hot drink, elevating your head a little on pillows, and humidifying your room.

An OTC cough medicine with dextromethoraphan ("DM") (eg, Robitusin DM or generic equivalent, per package directions) may help some people who have bothersome dry, spasmodic cough. Guaifenisin (eg, Mucinex, taken per package directions), an expectorant, is available either by itself or as a common ingredient in cough/cold OTC remedies. Some people find this product helps to thin and mobilize mucus.

See your provider if your cough is worsening, keeps you up without relief, or is associated with wheezing or shortness of breath. Other prescription medicine may be indicated. Brown students can make an appointment at Health Services by calling 401.863-3953. 

Hand washing, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners, is highly effective in preventing the spread of colds. Wash hands after touching communal surfaces, before touching your own eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoid sharing eating and drinking utensils. If possible, you should avoid close, prolonged exposure to people who have colds. If you have a cold, sneeze or cough into your crooked elbow to contain the spread of viral particles and/or use tissues, which should be promptly disposed of, and hands washed. 

If you are a Brown student and you are concerned about your cold symptoms, you can make a confidential appointment at Health Services by calling 401.863-3953.  Health Services provides a range of services including general health care and emergency medical care. You can request a medical provider by gender or by name.

Health Services is located at 450 Brook Street.