Cough, Cold, and Sore Throat

Identify risk factors for cough, cold, and/or sore throat.

1. Increased population density

2. Decreased diversity of social networks

3. Respiratory allergies

4. Smoking

5. Sedentary lifestyle

6. Chronic psychological stress (> 1 month)

7. Sleep deprivation

List common myths associated with the cold

The following have NOT been shown to increase susceptibility to viral upper respiratory tract infections:

• Cold or wet environments

• Sudden chilling or exposure to central heating (e.g. low humidity)

• Walking barefoot outside

• Teething

• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

Describe the pathophysiology of a cold

1. Rhinovirus (or similar virus) binds to intracellular adhesion molecule-1 receptors on respiratory epithelial cells in nose and nasopharynx.

2. Virus replicates and the infection spreads to other cells.

3. Infected cells release chemokine and cytokines, which activate inflammatory mediators and neurogenic reflexes.

Effects:

• Inflammation

• Vasodilation

• Glandular secretions

• Stimulation of pain nerve fibers & sneeze and cough reflexes

End of viral infection: Neutralizing antibodies (IgG or IgA) leak into the mucosa → end viral replication

Identify symptoms associated with the cold, and differentiate from other conditions that may present similarly to cold.

Common cold symptoms include:

1. Sore throat

2. Runny or stuffy nose

3. Sneezing

4. Cough

Cold vs flu: cold usually does not have fever/chills as a symptom, while the flu does.

Cold vs COVID-19: Change or loss in taste or smell = Covid

Describe strategies to prevent the spread of the common cold

1. Proper hand hygiene

2. Alcohol-based sanitizers

3. Antiviral disinfectants

4. Antiviral tissues

5. Elbow-sneeze

6. Masks

7. Minimizing contact with others

Know when a patient is not an appropriate candidate for self-treatment of cough, cold, and/or sore throat and requires referral.

Fever; Oral Temperature >100.4 F (38 C)