Common Cold (Acute Upper Respiratory Infection)

Also known as: Common cold, Acute upper respiratory infection, Acute coryza, Viral rhinitis, Head cold, URI, Rhinovirus infection

The common cold is a self-limiting viral infection of the nose and throat, most often caused by rhinoviruses. Typical features are sneezing, blocked or runny nose, sore throat, mild cough and low-grade malaise, peaking over two to three days and resolving within seven to ten days [1][2]. There is no curative treatment; care is supportive with rest, fluids and simple analgesia, and antibiotics are not indicated for uncomplicated colds [1][2][3]. Medical review is warranted for high or persistent fever, ear pain, breathing difficulty, symptoms lasting beyond ten days, or illness in infants, older adults or people who are immunocompromised [1][2]. In Chinese medicine the common cold is Gǎn Mào 感冒, an exterior invasion of Wind, most commonly Wind-Cold (Fēng Hán 风寒) or Wind-Heat (Fēng Rè 风热), with seasonal variants such as Summer-Heat Dampness. Acupuncture and herbs are traditionally used at the earliest stage to release the exterior, and are adjunctive to standard supportive care and hygiene measures [1][2][4].