Common cold

Characteristics:

The common cold is usually caused by a virus and is said to be viral.

Symptoms include:

• sneezing
• congested nose
• runny nose
• fatigue
• muscular pain
• headache

You can infect others in your environment by sneezing (with nasal mucous) and via contact. Wash your hands thoroughly and avoid contact where possible.

For a common cold, you usually do not need to do anything more than to rest and give yourself time to get better. If necessary, you may do nasal saline rinses, use a anti-inflammatory nasal spray for a short time or use anti-inflammatories.

Latest publication date: 15/12/2023
Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith