You are in Medical Library . I Government Agencies Cold Cold, known medically as an upper respiratory infection, is a contagious virus disease. The World Book Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center Medical Encyclopedia Cold Cold , known medically as an upper respiratory infection, is a contagious virus disease. It is a droplet infection caught by inhaling airborne water droplets from a sneeze of a patient with the disorder or by contact with hands that have touched an infected mouth or nose. Symptoms appear about 48 hours after exposure to the virus, which may be any one of, or a combination of, more than 100 different types.
Colds are more frequent among the young and are more likely to occur during the winter months.
Early symptoms of a cold include a runny nose, watering eyes, a headache, and a sore throat. Later, there may be a stuffy nose, a slight cough, and aching muscles. The patient may also have a chill and a slight fever. A cold, although extremely annoying, is seldom serious. However, babies, young children, and patients with asthma, bronchitis, a heart disorder, or kidney disease, who have symptoms of a cold, may be at risk and should seek medical advice.