POPULAR The Best Way to Treat a Cold
NEWSLETTER Common Cold Medical Author: Steven Doerr, MD Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Medically Reviewed on 11/30/2017 Table of Contents Common cold facts What is the common cold? What causes the common cold? How is the common cold transmitted? How long is the common cold contagious? What are risk factors for acquiring the common cold? What are the symptoms and signs of the common cold in adults, children, and infants? What is the incubation period of the common cold? Does it have anything to do with exposure to cold weather? What are the stages of the common cold? Common cold vs. flu (influenza) What types of doctors treat the common cold? How do health care professionals diagnose the common cold? What is the treatment for the common cold? Are there any home remedies for the common cold? Are antibiotics a suitable treatment for the common cold? When should someone consult a health care professional? What is the prognosis for the common cold...