3-5.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
a. Malaise.
b. Fever/chills.
c. Headache.
d. Nasal congestion/nasal discharge.
e. Hacking, nonproductive cough.
f. Burning, watery eyes.
g. "Stuffed up" feeling may persist for one week.
h. Sneezing.
i.
Sore throat.
3-6.
TREATMENT
There are no cures for the common cold. These are purely symptomatic
treatments.
a. Rest--logical response to fatigue and weakness.
b. Fluid--helps maintain hydration and loosen accumulated respiratory
secretions.
c. Aspirin--eases headache and muscle soreness.
d. Decongestants--relieve "stuffed up" feeling (for example, Sudafed, Contac,
Dristan).
e. Throat lozenges--relieves soreness.
NOTE:
Many individuals advocate doses of vitamin C to help treat and/or prevent the
common cold. The role vitamin C plays remains controversial.
3-7.
PREVENTION
a. Minimize contact with people who have colds.
b. Avoid spreading colds by washing hands often, cover coughs and sneezes,
and avoid sharing towels and drinking glasses.
MD0550
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