Colds
Medical Author:
Leon Salem, MD, MS, FACEP
Medical Editor:
Steven C Gabaeff, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Steven L Bernstein, MD
Colds OverviewThe cold is the most commonly occurring illness in the entire world, with more than 1 billion colds per year reported in the United States alone. The common cold is a self-limiting illness caused by any 1 of more than 200 viruses. The common cold produces mild symptoms usually lasting only 5-10 days. In contrast, the "flu" (influenza), which is caused by a different class of virus, can have severe symptoms. Viewer Comments & ReviewsCommon Cold - What You Do To AvoidThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What treatment has been effective for your cold? Common Cold - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:How do you treat a common cold? |
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Colds
Cold Sores Overview
Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters or sores that appear on the lips, mouth, or nose that are caused by a virus. The sores can be painful and usually last a few days. Unlike most viral infections, the cold sore virus is not completely eliminated by the body defenses. For this reason, cold sores often recur.
| Picture of cold sores; SOURCE: CDC/Dr. Hermann |
Cold Sore Causes
The virus that causes cold sores is known as the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV, type I and type II. Cold sores are usually caused by type I.
Herpes simplex is caused by a contagious oral virus. The virus is spread from person to person by ki...
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Rhinoviruses »
The common cold is an acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) characterized by mild coryzal symptoms, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, and sneezing.
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