How is a cold transmitted?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on May 02, 2025
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Colds are primarily transmitted through airborne droplets, as well as close contact with patients, shared utensils, and other means of transmission. This disease itself is a respiratory infection caused by viral infections, leading to symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, headache, fever, sore throat, and cough. However, it is self-limiting, so there is no need for concern. Once sick, drink plenty of water, rest, treat symptoms accordingly, and prevent complications. To prevent colds, strengthen protection, avoid going out during the flu season, exercise regularly, and boost immunity.

Other Voices

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Can a cold make you feel like vomiting?

Colds are a common illness and can lead to symptoms of nausea and vomiting. On one hand, some people experience a gastrointestinal type of cold, characterized by stomach discomfort and possibly even diarrhea, which can lead to nausea and vomiting. On the other hand, colds can also cause fever, and the fever can affect the function of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in nausea and vomiting. Therefore, there is no need to panic if these symptoms occur after catching a cold; some medications can be used to treat the symptoms accordingly. At the same time, it is important to rest, avoid getting chilled, drink plenty of water, and eat a light diet to facilitate recovery. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
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Which department should I go to for a stomach flu?

Gastroenteritis is mostly caused by improper diet leading to infections, resulting in symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therefore, for gastroenteritis, one should register with the gastroenterology department. However, if the gastrointestinal symptoms are caused by a cold, then one should register with the respiratory department. It depends on the sequence of symptoms: if gastrointestinal symptoms appear first, registration should be with gastroenterology; if cold symptoms appear first followed by gastrointestinal complications, a registration with the respiratory department is possible. Yet, for resolving gastrointestinal symptoms, it is advisable to consult with the gastroenterology department as it is more appropriate.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How does a cold caused by wind-cold transform into a cold caused by wind-heat?

During a cold, wind-cold and wind-heat colds can transform into each other. The intertwining of cold and heat is common. Generally, in the treatment of a cold, whether it is a wind-cold or wind-heat, treatment should be symptomatic. As long as you take cold medicine that targets various symptoms, it can alleviate the symptoms. Normally, pay more attention to rest, eat more light fruits, and vegetables, do not overwork, do not stay up late, keep regular meals, and pay attention to adjusting your mindset.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What should babies not eat when they have a cold?

When a baby has a cold, symptoms can include fever, coughing, a runny nose, and sneezing. Some may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Thus, a cold can lead to a decrease in digestive function and loss of appetite. Regarding diet, it is important to provide light, easily digestible foods. If the baby is breastfed, the mother should also consume light and easily digestible foods; if the baby is formula-fed, the formula should be diluted. It's appropriate to add some supplementary foods such as vegetables and fruits. Meanwhile, spicy, stimulating, greasy, and hard-to-digest foods should be temporarily avoided during this period.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Can you eat durian when you have a cold?

Wind-heat colds are not recommended for consumption. Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies colds into wind-heat colds and wind-cold colds based on the different external pathogenic factors patients experience. Wind-heat colds are primarily caused by exposure to external heat pathogens. Patients mainly exhibit symptoms including dry mouth, thirst, sweating, and coughing up phlegm, typically presenting with yellow phlegm. Durian is a food that tends to be warming; thus, consuming durian during a wind-heat cold could potentially worsen the condition or prolong the duration of the illness. Therefore, if the patient's symptoms match those described above for wind-heat colds, it is generally not recommended to eat durian. Of course, if the symptoms mentioned above are not present, eating durian is not a problem. Durian is a very nutritious food that can also aid in digestion. It is quite a good fruit.