General Information

• Colds are very common. The average adult experiences 3-4 colds each year.
• Viruses cause colds, and no medicine or "shot" will cure an uncomplicated cold.
• Colds are usually not serious. Most patients with colds do not need to be seen by a doctor. Rarely colds can lead to more serious illnesses such as: sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and otitis media. Elderly persons and individuals with a weakened immune system (due to chemotherapy, HIV positive, splenectomy, or the regular use of steroid medications) are at higher risk of developing these infectious complications.