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.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of a baby's cold and fever

Infant colds and fevers are categorized as respiratory infections, typically caused by pathogens such as respiratory viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, and chlamydia. The initial symptoms usually manifest as varying degrees of fever. Subsequent general symptoms include appearing slightly less lively than usual, possibly accompanied by a reduced appetite, nausea, and even abdominal discomfort. The third category of symptoms affects the upper respiratory tract, commonly presenting as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and in some cases, coughing and excessive phlegm.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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How to relieve a cold and cough

The common cold is caused by typical viruses or bacteria that infect the upper respiratory tract. Following a cold, the airways can become inflamed, leading to the secretion of mucus, consequently causing symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and phlegm production. Currently, many multi-ingredient cold medications on the market not only treat cold symptoms such as runny nose and nasal congestion but also effectively alleviate coughs caused by the cold. For example, medications like Phenol Anisamine Methylamine tablets and Acetaminophen Codeine tablets effectively treat coughs induced by the common cold. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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Is wind-heat cold contagious?

"Wind-heat cold" is a term used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and diagnosed through TCM methods; from a Western medicine perspective, it could also be a viral infection. Viral colds can be contagious, so sometimes, wind-heat colds may be contagious as well. Therefore, it is necessary to take certain measures to prevent the spread of the disease, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women. It's advisable for these groups to avoid contact with individuals who have a wind-heat cold to prevent infection. There is also a need to be cautious of the possibility of bacterial infections in such cases. If the patient has a bacterial infection, active treatment, potentially including antibiotics, may be required.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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What to do if you have a cold and a headache?

If you have a headache with a cold, it might be due to a viral infection, and you should go to the hospital for a routine blood test to identify the source of the infection. Then, take the corresponding anti-infection medication to treat and alleviate the symptoms. Also, you should pay attention to eating light, drinking more water, promoting excretion, and enhancing your immune system. Avoid eating spicy, greasy, and cold irritating foods. If the headache is severe, you may need to take some painkillers to relieve the symptoms. Additionally, symptomatic treatment should be applied; apart from the headache, you should check if there is any fever. Once the temperature exceeds 38.5°C, you should take some antipyretic drugs for treatment. Also, pay attention to using physical cooling methods, drinking more water, and avoiding spicy, greasy, and cold irritating foods. It is advised to follow the doctor’s guidance closely and cooperate actively with the doctor to alleviate the symptoms.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to treat a cold in children

Pediatric colds, also known as upper respiratory tract infections in children, are the most common illnesses among children. They primarily manifest as inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, nasopharynx, and throat, which can lead to conditions such as rhinitis, pharyngitis, and acute tonsillitis. Collectively, these are referred to as upper respiratory tract infections, or simply pediatric colds. The treatment of pediatric colds mainly focuses on preparing for and preventing complications. Secondly, symptomatic treatment is essential. When a child has a high fever, antipyretics should be taken, and physical cooling can be achieved through cold compresses, or warm moist compresses. Children with febrile convulsions should be given sedatives and antispasmodics while reducing the fever. For significant nasal congestion, local medications can be used, or physiological saline water can be used to rinse the nose. For throat pain, throat lozenges can be taken, or sprays that alleviate throat discomfort can be used. It is also crucial to treat the cause of the illness. Generally, antiviral drugs are not specific, but ribavirin can be taken, along with Chinese herbal medicines that clear heat and detoxify. If there is a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics should be used under the guidance of a hospital doctor.