Common Cold- Upper Respiratory Infection

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

Sneezing, sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, burning and/or watery eyes, fever, chills, aches, cough and malaise may occur. Most common infectious disease, which is an acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, and usually lasts 5 to 7 days.

INCUBATION PERIOD:

Incubation period is usually 1-5 days.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES:

Minimizing contact with people who have colds, use of Universal/Standard Precautions that include frequent hand washing, covering the mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing, and avoiding sharing towels, glasses etc.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL:

Students should be excluded from school for any of the following reasons: an elevated temperature; student too ill or uncomfortable to adequately function in a classroom; excessive, productive coughing. A healthcare provider’s note is not required upon returning to school.