Common cold

The Common Cold

A cold is a tiny germ that makes you feel sick. It lives in your nose and throat. Most kids get colds once or twice a year. Colds are very common around the world.

What Happens When You Have a Cold

When you have a cold, you might feel tired. Your nose may run, and you might sneeze. Your throat can feel sore, and you might have a headache. Sometimes, you might feel warm or have a slight fever. You might cough, too. Most of these feelings get better in about one week to ten days.

How Do Colds Spread?

Colds spread when tiny bits of germs go into the air. This can happen when someone who has a cold breathes, talks, or coughs. If you touch something with the germs and then touch your nose or eyes, you can get a cold. Colds spread easily in places like child care centers and schools because many children are close together.

Keeping Healthy

There is no special medicine to stop a cold because it is caused by tiny germs called viruses. To help stop getting colds, it is good to wash your hands often. Stay away from people who have colds. Getting good sleep and eating well can also help keep you healthy. When you have a cold, drinking fluids and resting can make you feel better.