Common colds are viruses

Common colds are infections of the respiratory tract. Symptoms can include sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, a sore throat and coughing. Green or yellow mucus may come from the nose. This is normally a sign that the immune system is fighting the infection and does not mean the cold is getting worse. Fever is generally mild when it does occur.

Colds are common. In fact:

• Children can get 5–10 colds per year; adults can get 2–4 colds per year.
• Children get more colds than adults because they do not have the same immunity to many cold viruses as adults do.
• More than 200 different viruses can cause common colds.

Common colds usually get better in 7–10 days

A cough is often the last thing to improve and can last up to 3 weeks.

Common colds rarely cause serious harm. Children with colds can go to childcare, preschool and school as long as they feel well enough to participate.

Colds are not flu

Influenza (or flu) is a serious illness. A 'common cold' is often called the 'flu', but they are different. Flu symptoms usually start suddenly with a high fever and you may feel sick enough to go to bed.

Symptoms can also include irritation in the throat or lungs, a dry cough, shivering, sweating and severe muscle aches. The flu tends to make the whole body ache, whereas the common cold usually affects the nose and throat only.

Influenza vaccine is recommended in Autumn for people who are at risk of serious complications. See your doctor for more information about vaccination for you and your family or visit www.immunise.health.gov.au. Influenza vaccination will not prevent you from getting common colds as they are different viruses.

Stopping the spread

Common colds are usually caught from other people. Colds can be passed on through touching hands or objects (e.g. tissues and toys) or by breathing in droplets from sneezes or coughs.

To help prevent the spread of colds, encourage children and adults to:

• cover their mouth when sneezing or coughing
• keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth
• use paper tissues to blow their nose, and throw tissues away after use
• wash hands with soap, particularly before preparing and eating food and after blowing their nose
• avoid sharing cups, glasses and cutlery.

• Common colds are viruses
• Antibiotics don't kill viruses
• How to get better
• When to see your doctor
• More on colds and flu