Very low urgency
Very common-
Epidemic infectious disease caused by influenza A and B viruses.
It is transmitted by small droplets of virus-laden saliva and bronchial secretions released into the air when coughing and sneezing.
It presents suddenly with coughing, sneezing, sore throat, weakness, muscle aches, joint pains, headache, abdominal pain, general malaise and fever.
Diagnosis is clinical and treatment is symptomatic.
Antibiotics are not effective as it is a virus.
It is a self-limiting disease and healthy people do not need to be seen. However, it can become complicated in people at risk and it is recommended that these people are vaccinated every winter.
- Daniel J Sexton, Micah T McClain. The common cold in adults. UpToDate. Apr 05, 2016.
- Turner RB. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of the common cold. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1997; 78:531.
- Little P, Moore M, Kelly J, et al. Ibuprofen, paracetamol, and steam for patients with respiratory tract infections in primary care: pragmatic randomised factorial trial. BMJ 2013; 347:f6041.
- Raphael Dolin. Infecciones respiratorias virales frecuentes.Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 1202:1208.
- J. García San Miguel. Viriasis respiratorias. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 2429:2430.
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
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