Common cold is caused by viral infections. Viruses that cause colds are always present in the environment around you; even the things you touch may be contaminated by them. However, many people are more susceptible to viral infections than others. The following are the risk factors that can increase a person’s chances of catching a cold:
- Age. Infants and young children are more prone to get infected with viruses as their immune system is not developed enough to gain resistance from the viruses that cause colds. Additionally, children often spend more time in groups, at daycare centers, playgrounds and at school; therefore, they are more exposed to infectious agents in the environment. Children also are not careful about personal hygiene and regular hand washing, significantly after sneezing or coughing while covering their mouth with their hands. Colds in infants may be problematic if they interrupt normal breathing and nursing.
- Immunity. As people age, their immune systems develop and they become less susceptible to viral infections such as colds. Therefore, adults are less likely to suffer from colds as young children; however, many adults do experience colds at least once year, especially those with suppressed or weakened immune systems.
- Seasonal factors. Adults and children are both susceptible to colds during the fall and winter seasons. In countries or places where there is no cold season or winter season, colds often occur during the monsoon or rainy seasons. Children suffer from colds during winter season mostly because they are spending more time at school and both children and adults spend more time indoors, thus being exposed to viruses in an enclosed environment.
Complications
The complications that may arise due to common colds include:
- Sinusitis. In both adults and children, the common cold may lead to sinusitis which is caused due to the infection and inflammation of the sinuses.
- Wheezing. Children with asthma may suffer from wheezing due to cold.
- Acute ear infections (otitis media). Ear infections usually occur due to fluid accumulation in the middle ear behind the eardrum—where the fluid gets infected with viruses or bacteria. Many children often incur an ear infection while suffering from common colds. Common signs and symptoms of ear infections with colds include earaches with a green or yellow discharge from the nose. Many children are too young to actually tell their parents or guardians about the pain or distress they are experiencing, therefore they will cry inconsolably and sleep restlessly.
- Other infections. Other secondary infections include pneumonia, strep throat, croup or bronchiolitis in young children and bronchitis in adults. These infections are often very severe and need medical attention promptly.
Additional Information about Respiratory Problems
The common cold is usually a mild breathing issue which is not covered in workplace approved first aid courses. Breathing and respiratory emergencies such as anaphylaxis (allergic reactions), asthma and hyperventilation are serious emergencies that are covered in workplace approved training programs.
Related Video to the Common Cold
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Yhj0re1CM