Colds: Overview

Woman blowing nose

Colds

Colds are among the most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide, and are caused by a family of viruses called rhinoviruses.1 The body’s natural defensive response against this type of viral infection, causes the familiar symptoms of the common cold,2-4 including headache, tiredness, sneezing, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Of these symptoms, patients typically consider the nasal symptoms to be the most bothersome.5,6

Nasal congestion can affect quality of life, leading to difficulties in breathing, hearing, and sleeping.5 Patients may also be required to take time off from work or school,7 resulting in an additional economic burden due to healthcare services and absenteeism.1,6

The common cold can adversely affect quality of life8

  • Woman in blanket unwell

    As many as 93% of cold sufferers in one survey reported some degree of difficulty with sleeping.8

  • Woman inhaling steam

    The same survey found that productivity decreased by a mean 26%, and almost half of the respondents reported absenteeism from work or school.8

Read more about colds

Magnifying glass icon

Causes

Find out about the causes and mechanisms behind the common cold.

Find out more

Runny nose icon

Signs and Symptoms

Find out about the signs and symptoms of colds.

Find out more

Book icon

Learning Lab

Find out more in the learning lab

Find out more

Management icon

Management

Explore an overview of cold management.

Find out more

Otrivin logo

The Otrivin range

Find out how the Otrivin range can help your patients.

Find out more

Patient care resources icon

Patient care resources

Download resources for your patients.

Find out more