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INSTRUCTIONS: Read the following article on the “The Common Cold”.
1. As you read ANNOTATE the text using the symbols at the bottom of the page.
2. SUMMARIZE each section by completing the graphic organizers titled “What did I read?”
3. ANSWER the questions that follow – use loose leaf paper if needed.
The Common Cold
Introduction: What Is The Common Cold?
The common cold, also known as a head cold or simply a cold, is a disease of the
respiratory system. It is caused by different groups of viruses and characterized by
5 itching in the nose, regular sneezing, runny nose and chills. These symptoms could
be followed by an uncomfortable throat, tiredness, dizziness, mild headache and
thick mucus secretion (Eccles & Weber, 2009).
A Brief History of The Common Cold
The common cold is centuries old and its symptoms along with treatment are present in the oldest Egyptian
10 medical literature (de Graaf, Osterhaus, Fouchier, & Holmes, 2008). Some studies also reported the presence of
the common cold during the Stone Age (Dorfer et al., 1999). The name “cold” was used first in the 16th century
due to the resemblance of its symptoms with the effects of cold weather on the human body. The most common
cause of the common cold, i.e. Rhinovirus, was first identified in 1956 by researchers from the United Kingdom
(UK).
15 Research to find the treatment for the common cold has been going on since ancient times. Hippocrates, in 400
BC, discovered that bleeding was slightly effective in the treatment of the common cold (although of course it
didn’t really help). Later on, a Roman philosopher recommended that people “kiss the hairy muzzle of a mouse”
in order to feel better. In 1970 and 1979, the miraculous effects of zinc and vitamin C were discovered for the
relief of the common cold. However, medical research is still anxious about the prevention and treatment of the
20 common cold (Atzl & Helms, 2009).
Causes of The Common Cold
The common cold is caused by almost 100 different varieties of the Rhinovirus. In some cases,
other types of viruses are also involved. Due to this reason, people have many episodes of the
common cold during the year and are unable to prepare their immune system beforehand. A
25 cold may occur at any time in a year, but it is most prevalent during the fall and winter seasons.
Thus, it is not specifically caused by cold weather (Diane E Pappas, 2015).
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Meaning
Important
Key Words
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Unfamiliar
Word
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Comments
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I’m
Surprised
Connection
I’m Thinking
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How A Cold Develops: A complex interaction is involved between the host (infected person) and virus during
the development of the common cold. A detailed mechanism for the development of the common cold is still not
well understood however, it is believed that the main site for the replication of
30 the virus is nasopharynx (nasal/throat area) (Winther, Gwaltney, Mygind, Turner,
& Hendley, 1986). First, the virus is deposited into the nasal mucosa and eyes. It
then enters the nose via the lacrimal duct. From the nose, it is transported to the
nasopharynx. After that, it gains entry into epithelial cells (cells lining the
nasopharynx) by binding with receptors. Here it starts to replicate to produce
35 infection. The infection progresses and causes the blood vessels to dilate (get
larger) and the permeability of the nasal lining to change (more stuff can get
through). This leads to nasal blockages and a runny nose. Moreover, increased mucous secretion and sneezing
also starts (Heikkinen & Järvinen, 2003).
The incubation period (time between first becoming infected and showing symptoms) of the common cold virus
40 is 1-7 days (Nicholson, 1998). The common cold starts with a sore throat and nasal stuffiness. This is followed
by sneezing, cough and nasal discharge with an infrequent fever (Igarashi et al., 1993). Other symptoms may be
a change in voice pattern, mild headache, fatigue and malaise (Nicholson, 1998). The symptoms of the common
cold last for an average of 14 days. The common cold is transmitted due to direct contact with the infected person
or from the virus being present in the atmosphere (Dorfer et al., 1999).
45 Current Treatment of The Common Cold
The common cold is caused by many different viruses variations, which is why there is no universal treatment for
it. Therefore, symptomatic treatment is provided to resolve the disturbing symptoms with the help of over the
counter medications (Heikkinen & Järvinen, 2003).
Classes of drugs used during the symptomatic treatment of the common cold include; anti-allergic, nasal
50 decongestants, cough suppressants, and mucus thinners. However, the United States Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has recommended not to use these medications in children under 6 years of age due to the
side effects of these medications (Eccles & Weber, 2009).
Among home remedies, humidified air and saline nasal drops may improve symptoms of nasal congestion and
runny nose. For a cough, honey is helpful for children older than 12 months. Adequate intake of food and fluids
55 should be maintained for further relief from the symptoms.
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Meaning
Important
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Words
I get it
Unfamiliar
Word
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∞
Comments
I don’t
Understand
I’m
Surprised
Connection
I’m Thinking
Name: __________________________________
Date:__________________________________
Pd:____________
It is worth mentioning here that antibiotics are not effective in treating the common cold due to the viral nature
of the disease. However, they may be required during the bacterial complications caused by the common cold.
Further, the use of nasal sprays containing steroids (used to unblock stuffy noses) should be avoided in children
(Diane E Pappas, 2015).
60 A number of alternate products such as zinc and vitamin C are also used to relieve the symptoms, but the use of
these products is not encouraged due to the lack of evidence regarding their effectiveness.
Appropriate hygiene measures can help in the prevention of the common cold. Methods such
as; thorough hand washing with soap, using alcohol-based hand rubs as well as the
implementation of household cleaners to kill viruses can be used to prevent the spread of the
65 common cold (Diane E Pappas, 2015).
Impact of The Common Cold
The common cold is the one of the most prevalent diseases we have across the globe. It is a self-limiting disease
and confined only to the upper respiratory tract. But, in some patients, it can cause severe problems due to the
spread of the virus to other parts of the body (Heikkinen & Järvinen, 2003). Despite our development in medicine,
70 it is a great burden in terms of suffering and economic losses due to visits to the hospitals and loss of work
(Adams, Hendershot, & Marano, 1999). Infants and children are the populations most affected by the common
cold and children 6 years old and younger suffer from six to eight colds per year. This is ultimately responsible
for about twenty-two million missed days of education. Moreover, 150 million days of work are missed which
cost about $20 billion annually to the economy (Diane E Pappas, 2015).
75 Future Prospects of The Common Cold
Due to the role of viruses in the common cold, antivirals could be used in the prevention as well as in the treatment
of this disease. That is why current research is focused on the testing of antivirals against the Rhinovirus (Eccles
& Weber, 2009). Development of sophisticated techniques to detect the nature of the viruses causing outbreaks
is also being worked on. Additional research on the host response and viral interaction during the common cold
80 is also ongoing. Moreover, there is also a dire need for the awareness of programs about the ineffectiveness of
the antibiotics in the treatment of the common cold (Heikkinen & Järvinen, 2003).
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Symbol
Meaning
Important
Key
Words
I get it
Unfamiliar
Word
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∞
Comments
I don’t
Understand
I’m
Surprised
Connection
I’m Thinking
Name: __________________________________
Date:__________________________________
Pd:____________
Name: __________________________________
Date:__________________________________
Pd:____________
Reading Comprehension Questions:
1.
What are the symptoms of the common cold?
2.
Why was it called a cold?
3.
What is the general name of the virus that causes the common cold?
4.
Describe how a cold virus “takes hold” inside its host.
5.
What is an “incubation period” and how long does it last for in the common cold?
6.
How is the cold spread?
7.
How is a cold treated?
8.
Why are antibiotics not used to treat a cold?
9.
What hygiene measure(s) can be used to prevent you from getting a cold?
10.
Which population is most likely to get sick from the common cold and how often on average, do
they suffer from it?
11.
Regarding your answer to number 10 above, explain why you think this might be the case.
12.
Antibiotics are used too often to treat a cold even though they have absolutely no effect. From
your previous knowledge, why is the overuse of antibiotics a bad thing?
13.
What will you do in the future to prevent yourself from getting sick?
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WHAT DID I READ?
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The Common Cold
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