Viruses are the most common causes of colds. Some people have a loss of their sense of smell or taste, a slight fever, and a cough. A cold is contagious and is easily spread by contact with someone who has a viral infection. Exposure to the virus usually has taken place 2 to 3 days before the symptoms appear. Most colds last about a week, although this varies from person to person.
Colds are one of the most frequent infections in childhood.
Most children average 6 colds per year. There is no specific treatment for a cold. Humidify the air with steam or a cool mist vaporizer. If you do not have a vaporizer, pans of water set in the room or wet towels draped over a chair will put some moisture in the room. Use a bulb syringe to aspirate fluid from the nose of an infant before feeding.