Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza

Abstract

The common cold and influenza (flu) are the most common syndromes of infection in human beings. These diseases are diagnosed on symptomatology, and treatments are mainly symptomatic, yet our understanding of the mechanisms that generate the familiar symptoms is poor compared with the amount of knowledge available on the molecular biology of the viruses involved. New knowledge of the effects of cytokines in human beings now helps to explain some of the symptoms of colds and flu that were previously in the realm of folklore rather than medicine-eg, fever, anorexia, malaise, chilliness, headache, and muscle aches and pains. The mechanisms of symptoms of sore throat, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, nasal congestion, cough, watery eyes, and sinus pain are discussed, since these mechanisms are not dealt with in any detail in standard medical textbooks.

Infection of lymphoid tissues in the macaque upper respiratory tract contributes to the emergence of transmissible measles virus

“…With a diameter of 4 mm, these structures are approximately 15 times larger than single virus particles, which are typically 100-300 nm in size (Griffin, 2007). Such structures are probably derived from vesicles of cellular debris extruded from MV-infected cells and may be readily expelled into the air by coughing triggered directly by stimulation of cough receptors in damaged epithelium below the level of the larynx in the trachea or lungs (Eccles, 2005;Widdicombe, 1995). Alternatively, the generalized inflammatory response initiated by the high level of MV infection in tonsillar tissue in the URT may also trigger a cough response in epithelium below the larynx.…”

Airborne transmission of disease in hospitals

“…The physiology of a cough suggests that it is more likely to bring up and expel deep-seated organisms from the lower respiratory tract in the chest (Eccles 2005;McCool 2006) than the sneeze (Eccles 2005;Baraniuk & Kim 2007) or normal speech (Inouye 2003), both of which are more likely to expel organisms inhabiting the upper respiratory tract. Generally, the latter organisms (e.g.…”

Efficacy of a Topical Aromatic Rub (Vicks VapoRub<sup>®</sup>) on Effects on Self-Reported and Actigraphically Assessed Aspects of Sleep in Common Cold Patients

“…Rhinoviruses are the most common causative agents accounting for up to 50% of symptomatic infections [1]. The main symptoms of common cold include nasal congestion, nasal discharge, sneezing, headache, sore throat, and cough [4]. Of these, nasal congestion and cough have been reported as the most bothersome symptoms of a cold on 6 of the first 7 days of a cold [5].…”