WHAT IS A COLD? A common cold is a viral infection affecting the mucous membrane lining of the ears, nose, throat, airway and sinuses. The viral invasion causes swelling of mucous membranes and sluggish flow of thick secretions along the narrow passageway. There are over 200 types of cold viruses. You become immune to each one of these viruses once you’ve had the infection. There are no medicines that kill the cold virus or cure the common cold. Take control of your cold symptoms to improve your comfort, minimize disruption of school, work or social life, and unnecessary visits to your health care providers. NOTE: Any medicine has the potential of causing harmful side effects. Read the label on all over-the-counter medications that you use to be sure that they are safe for you. If you have a chronic medical condition, like diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, heart disease, or thyroid disease, or suspect you may be pregnant, consult your clinician before taking any medication. Be sure that the products you use are “single-symptom” medicines. Some cold remedies have more than one medicine, e.g. one for headache pain and one for congestion. You need to be careful not to accidentally use two doses of the same medication. The Cal Poly Health Center has over-the-counter cold medicines available at reasonable costs. Come to the Cashier’s window for a listing of products available. If you complete the self-assessment, you will receive a coupon that you can print and take to the Health Center for a free self-care cold pack.