CERTIFICATE

THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT BIOLOGY PROJECT TITLED

“COMMON COLD” HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY
COMPLETED BY PAYAL MUKESH SIHRA OF CLASS 12
‘B’ ROLL NO.15610926 IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF
CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION (CBSE)
LEADING TO THE AWARD OF ANNUAL EXAMINATION
OF THE YEAR 2020-21

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

PRINCIPAL SIGN SCHOOL STAMP

BIOLOGY
INVESTIGATORY
PROJECT
TOPIC: COMMON COLD

NAME: PAYAL MUKESH SIHRA

CLASS: XII-B
ROLL NO: 15610926
SCHOOL: KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA AMBARNATH

Acknowledgment
I HAVE TAKEN EFFORT IN THIS PROJECT. HOWEVER,
IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT KIND
SUPPORT AND HELP OF MANY INDIVIDUALS.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MY PRINCIPLE MR.DEEPAK
SINGH BHATI AND SCHOOL FOR PROVIDING
FACILITIES REQUIRED TO DO MY PROJECT.
IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO EXPRESS MY
GRATITUDE TOWARDS OUR BIOLOGY TEACHER
MRS.SHRADDHA PANDEY FOR HER GUIDANCE,
ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT THROUGHOUT
DURING THE PROJECT.
WHAT IS COMMON COLD?
It's an illness caused by a tiny, living thing called a virus. More than 200 types lead
to your misery, but the most common one is the rhinovirus, which brings on 10%
to 40% of colds. The corona-virus is responsible for about 20% of cases, while the
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and par influenza virus cause 10% of colds.
Colds cause a lot of people to stay home. The CDC says 22 million school days are
lost each year in the U.S. because of them. Some estimates say that Americans
have 1 billion colds a year.
Common cold, also known simply as a cold, is a viral infectious disease of upper
respiratory tract that primarily affects the nose . Signs and symptoms may begin
less than two days following exposure. They include coughing, sore throat, runny
nose, sneezing, headache, and fever. People usually recover in seven to ten days.
[4] Some symptoms may last up to three weeks. In those with other health
problems, pneumonia may occasionally develop.
Over 200 virus strains are implicated in the cause of the common cold; the
rhinoviruses are the most common. They spread through the air during close
contact with infected people and indirectly through contact with objects in the
environment followed by transfer to the mouth or nose. Risk factors include going
to daycare, not sleeping well, and psychological stress. Symptoms are mostly due
to the body's immune response to the infection rather than to tissue destruction by
the viruses themselves. People with influenza often show similar symptoms as
people with a cold, though symptoms are usually more severe in the former.
There is no vaccine for the common cold. The primary methods of prevention are
hand washing; not touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands; and
staying away from sick people. Some evidence supports the use of face masks. No
cure for the common cold exists, but the symptoms can be treated. Non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may help with pain.
Antibiotics should not be used. Evidence does not support a benefit from cough
medicines.
The common cold is the most frequent infectious disease in humans. The average
adult gets two to four colds a year, while the average child may get six to eight.
They occur more commonly during the winter. These infections have been with
humanity since ancient times.

How a common cold starts

A cold usually begins with fatigue, a feeling of being chilled, sneezing,
and a headache, followed in a couple of days by a runny nose and cough.
Symptoms may begin within sixteen hours of exposure and typically
peak two to four days after onset. They usually resolve in seven to ten
days, but some can last for up to three weeks. The average duration of
cough is eighteen days and in some cases people develop a post-viral
cough which can linger after the infection is gone. In children, the cough
lasts for more than ten days in 35%–40% of the cases and continues for
more than 25 days in 10%.

You can catch it from another person who is infected with the virus.
This usually happens if you touch a surface that has germs on it - a
computer keyboard, doorknob, or spoon, for example - and then touch
your nose or mouth. You can also catch it if you're near someone who is
sick and sneezes into the air.
A cold begins when a virus attaches to the lining of your nose or throat.
Your immune system - the body's defense against germs - sends out
white blood cells to attack this invader. Unless you've had a run-in with
that exact strain of the virus before, the initial attack fails and your body
sends in reinforcements. Your nose and throat get inflamed and make a
lot of mucus. With so much of your energy directed at fighting the cold
virus, you're left feeling tired and miserable.

One myth that needs to get busted: Getting chilly or wet doesn't cause
you to get sick. But there are things that make you prone to come down
with a cold. For example, you're more likely to catch one if you're
extremely tired, under emotional distress, or have allergies with nose
and throat symptoms.
 SYMPTOMS OF COLD

Cold symptoms typically take a few days to appear. The symptoms of a

cold rarely appear suddenly. Knowing the difference between cold and
flu symptoms can help you decide how to treat your condition — and
whether you need to see your doctor.

Nasal symptoms include:

 congestion
 sinus pressure
 runny nose
 stuffy nose
 loss of smell or taste
 sneezing
 watery nasal secretions
 postnasal drip or drainage in the back of your throat

Head symptoms include:

 watery eyes
 headache
 sore throat
 cough
 swollen lymph nodes

Whole body symptoms include:

 fatigue or general tiredness

 chills
 body aches
 low-grade fever
 chest discomfort
 difficulty breathing deeply

COLD REMEDIES FOR ADULTS

 If you’re experiencing symptoms of a cold, you’re likely looking

for relief. Cold treatments fall into two main categories:

 Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines

 The most common OTC medicines used for colds include

decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers. Common “cold”
medicines sometimes include a combination of these medicines. If
you’re using one, be sure to read the label and understand what
you’re taking so you don’t accidentally take more than you should
of any one class of drug.

 Home remedies

 The most effective and common home remedies for a cold include
gargling with saltwater, rest, and staying hydrated. Some research
also shows that herbs like echinacea may be effective at reducing
symptoms of a cold. These treatments don’t cure or treat a cold.
Instead, they can just make symptoms less severe and easier to
manage.
 If you have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before you
take any OTC cold medicine. Most people with high blood
pressure can take these medicines with no concerns. However,
some decongestant medications work by narrowing blood vessels.
This may increase your blood pressure, and if you already have
blood pressure issues, the medicine may complicate your
condition.

COLD REMEDIES FOR CHILDREN

 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t

recommend children under the age of 4 take OTC cold medicines.
Some doctors stretch that recommendation to age 6. If you have
any questions, talk with your child’s doctor.
 Ease a child’s cold symptoms with these home remedies:
 Rest: Children who have a cold may be more lethargic and irritable
than normal. Let them stay home from school and rest until the
cold has cleared.
 Hydration: It’s very important children with a cold get plenty of
fluids. Colds can dehydrate them quickly. Make sure they’re
drinking regularly. Water is great. Warm drinks like tea can pull
double duty as a sore throat soother.
 Food: Kids with a cold may not feel as hungry as usual, so look for
ways to give them calories and fluids. Smoothies and soups are
two great options.
 Salt gargles: They aren’t the most pleasant experience, but gargling
with warm, salty water can make sore throats feel better. Saline
nasal sprays can also help clear nasal congestion.
 Warm baths: A warm bath can sometimes help reduce a fever and
ease mild aches and pains that are common with a cold.
 Causes of Common Cold
Viruses
Corona viruses are a group of viruses known for causing the
common cold. They have a halo or crown-like (corona) appearance
when viewed under an electron microscope.
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract.
The most commonly implicated virus is a rhinovirus (30%–80%), a
type of Picorna-virus with 99 known serotypes. Other commonly
implicated viruses include human corona-virus (≈15%), influenza
viruses (10%–15%), adenoviruses (5%), human respiratory
syncytial virus, entero-viruses other than rhinoviruses, and
metapneumovirus . Frequently more than one virus is present.[31]
In total over 200 different viral types are associated with colds.

Transmission
The common cold virus is typically transmitted via airborne
droplets (aerosols), direct contact with infected nasal secretions, or
fomites (contaminated objects). Which of these routes is of
primary importance has not been determined; however, hand-to-
hand and hand-to-surface-to-hand contact seems of more
importance than transmission via aerosols. The viruses may
survive for prolonged periods in the environment (over 18 hours
for rhinoviruses) and can be picked up by people's hands and
subsequently carried to their eyes or nose where infection occurs.
Transmission is common in daycare and at school due to the
proximity of many children with little immunity and frequently
poor hygiene. These infections are then brought home to other
members of the family. There is no evidence that recirculated air
during commercial flight is a method of transmission. People
sitting in close proximity appear to be at greater risk of infection.
Rhinovirus-caused colds are most infectious during the first three
days of symptoms; they are much less infectious afterwards.

PREPARING FOR COLD SEASON

 The only useful ways to reduce the spread of cold viruses are
physical measures such as hand washing and face masks; in the
 healthcare environment, gowns and disposable gloves are also
used. Isolation or quarantine is not used as the disease is so
widespread and symptoms are non-specific. Vaccination has
proved difficult as there are many viruses involved and they mutate
rapidly. Creation of a broadly effective vaccine is, thus, highly
improbable.
 Regular hand washing appears to be effective in reducing the
transmission of cold viruses, especially among children. Whether
the addition of antivirals or Antibacterial to normal hand washing
provides greater benefit is unknown. Wearing face masks when
around people who are infected may be beneficial; however, there
is insufficient evidence for maintaining a greater social distance.
 Zinc supplements may help to reduce the prevalence of colds.
Routine vitamin C supplements do not reduce the risk or severity
of the common cold, though they may reduce its duration. Gargling
with water was found useful in one small trial.
 Changes in humidity in different seasons may also affect how often
people get sick. The most common cold viruses survive better
when it's low. Also, cold weather may make the lining of your
nose drier and more vulnerable to an infection by a virus.

When to Call the Doctor About a Cold

Most colds last about 7 to 10 days, but if your symptoms linger,
you may need to call the doctor. Sometimes, colds lead to an
infection by bacteria in in your lungs, sinuses, or ears. If that
happens, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, which work
against bacteria but not against viruses.

Antibiotics and Antivirals

Antibiotics have no effect against viral infections or against the
viruses that cause the common cold. Due to their side effects,
antibiotics cause overall harm but are still frequently prescribed.
Some of the reasons that antibiotics are so commonly prescribed
include people's expectations for them, physicians' desire to help,
and the difficulty in excluding complications that may be amenable
to antibiotics. There are no effective antiviral drugs for the
 common cold even though some preliminary research has shown
benefits.

Alternative medicine
 While there are many alternative treatments used for the common cold, there
is insufficient scientific evidence to support the use of most. [As of 2014
there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against honey. As of 2015
there is tentative evidence to support nasal irrigation. Zinc has been used to
treat symptoms, with studies suggesting that zinc, if taken within 24 hours of
the onset of symptoms, reduces the duration and severity of the common
cold in otherwise healthy people. Due to wide differences between the
studies, further research may be needed to determine how and when zinc
may be effective. Whereas zinc lozenges may produce side effects, there is
only a weak rationale for physicians to recommend zinc for the treatment of
the common cold. Some zinc remedies directly applied to the inside of the
nose have led to the loss of the sense of smell.
 Vitamin C's effect on the common cold, while extensively researched, is
disappointing, except in limited circumstances: specifically, individuals
exercising vigorously in cold environments. There is no firm evidence that
Echinacea products provide any meaningful benefit in treating or preventing
colds. It is unknown if garlic is Effective. A single trial of vitamin D did not
find benefit.
 PREVENTIONS OF COMMON COLD

1. Wash your hands often

Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds can help protect you from getting sick.
Washing your hands frequently helps prevent the spread of infection. Use plain
soap and water, making sure to pay attention to spaces between fingers, and under
the fingernails. Rinse and dry with a clean towel. Teach your children to wash their
hands properly. If soap and water is unavailable, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are
an alternative. Make sure to wash hands after sneezing or coughing, and before
handling food.

2. Avoid touching your face.

Viruses can enter your body through the areas around your nose, mouth, and eyes.
It is important to avoid touching your face if you are exposed to a person with a
cold, especially if you have not washed your hands.
3. Don't smoke

Smoking tobacco products irritates and damages the throat and lungs, and can
worsen cold symptoms – which already include a sore throat and cough.
Even secondhand smoke can cause irritation. A recent study also found the anti-
viral response in smokers may become suppressed, making them less able to fight
off infection.

4. Use disposable items if a family member is infected.

Use your own disposable plates, cups, and utensils and discard them after use if
you have a cold. This is especially helpful if there are children in the household,
who may attempt to take food off others' plates, or drink from others' cups.
5. Keep household surfaces clean.

Clean all household surfaces frequently to keep them germ-free. Viruses can live
on surfaces for several hours after being touched by an infected person. Pay
attention to the areas you touch most often and use soap and water, bleach, or
disinfectant cleaners to wipe off doorknobs, keyboards, phones, remote controls,
desks, toys, countertops, faucet handles, and drawer pulls.

6. Wash toys

Children are four times more likely to get a cold than adults, and often the common
cold virus is spread by contact with toys. When you clean all household surfaces,
remember to clean your child's toys too.
7. Use paper towels

Cloth towels can harbor viruses for hours after being touched, just as many
surfaces do. To avoid contamination, use paper towels to clean up in the kitchen
and to dry your hands after washing.

8. Control stress

When we experience stress we release a hormone called cortisol, which has anti-
inflammatory properties. Chronic stress causes an over-production of this
hormone, which in turn causes the immune system to become resistant to it.
Studies have shown that when a chronically stressed person is exposed to the
common cold virus, which causes inflammation, their bodies are less able to fight
it because their natural anti-inflammatory response does not work as well as it
should.
 index
1. CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

3. INTRODUCTION OF THE TOPIC

4. SYMPTOMS

5. REMEDIES

6. CAUSES

7. PREVENTIONS

8. TREATMENT

9. SOURCES OF COLD

10. CONCLUSION

11. CASE STUDY

12. BIBLOGRAPHY
 Sources of common cold
This list of types of common cold mentioned in various
sources includes:
 Rhinovirus –related colds ; 30-35%Of colds
 Coronavirus –related colds
 Adenovirus- related colds
 Echovirus –related colds
 Paramyxovirus –related colds –including several
parainfluenza viruses
 Enterovirus -related colds

CONCLUSION
Cough is a immune medicated viral infection, in children have
less immunity power or protect from the virus so beware about
children health, by follow some preventive measure like taking
Pleanty of water, expose to sunlight it boosting the immune
system etc.

 TREATMENT
There's no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics are of no use against cold viruses
and shouldn't be used unless there's a bacterial infection. Treatment is directed at
relieving signs and symptoms.

Pros and cons of commonly used cold remedies include:

 Pain relievers. For a fever, sore throat and headache, many people turn to
acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other mild pain relievers. Use
acetaminophen for the shortest time possible and follow label directions to
avoid side effects.
Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Children and
teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take
aspirin. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but
potentially life-threatening condition, in such children.
Consider giving your child over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications designed
for infants or children. These include acetaminophen (Children's Tylenol,
Fever All, others) or ibuprofen (Children's Advil, Children's Motrin, others) to
ease symptoms.

 Decongestant nasal sprays. Adults can use decongestant drops or sprays for up

to five days. Prolonged use can cause rebound symptoms. Children younger
than 6 shouldn't use decongestant drops or sprays.
 Cough syrups. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American
Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends against giving OTC cough and
cold medicines to children younger than age 4 as they may be harmful.
There's no good evidence that these remedies are beneficial or safe for
children.
It isn't typically recommended that you give cough or cold medicines to an
older child, but if you do, follow the label directions. Don't give your child
two medicines with the same active ingredient, such as an antihistamine,
decongestant or pain reliever. Too much of a single ingredient could lead to an
accidental overdose.
 BIBLOGRAPHY
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/diagnosis-
treatment/drc-20351611
https://www.medicinenet.com/common_cold/article.htm
https://www.healthline.com/
Help from books
 Case Study: The Common Cold

Erika Adams, age 22, comes to the nurse-run clinic at the university with
complaints of a Cold and flu-like symptoms. She states that her cough is
keeping her up at night.
Data obtained from the nursing assessment include the following:
—Complaints of fatigue, body aches, cough, nasal congestion, and mild
fever
—Vital signs: temperature, 99.1°F; pulse, 90; respiration, 20; blood
pressure, 98/68
—Harsh nonproductive cough noted.
—You suggest comfort measures, including rest and increased fluids, a
steam vaporizer.
—The patient’s recommended medications include the use of
pseudoephedrine, 30 to 60 mg PO every 4 to 6 hours PRN; and
dextromethorphan, 30 mg PO every 4 to 8 hours PRN.
1. How do these drugs work together to address Erika’s underlying
pathologic conditions?
2. What other medications may have been considered for treating Erika’s
symptoms?
3. Which findings might demonstrate possible adverse effects from drug
therapy?
4. What teaching is required for Erika regarding her drug therapy?