Questions about the common cold

November 24, 2002

Hi,

I was hoping someone could explain the difference to between a regular

cold and one caused by a virus??? My brother is telling me that he has

determined the cold that he currently has is a virus which Emma can't

pick up and therefore we can come to his house for Thanksgiving. I

thought the common cold was caused by a virus which is very easy to

transfer but it can also be caused by bacteria which in that case it's

actually an infection of sorts for which you can be prescribed

antibiotics. Am I right? My husband actually spoke to my brother so the

information I am getting is second hand but it just didn't make sense to

me. I was also wondering (in case my husband simply just messed up what

my brother told him) if someone has a cold which is in fact bacterial in

nature, can this be transmitted to other people? My understanding was

that it could and you should not be near them until after they have been

on antibiotics for over 24 hours but I wasn't sure if this was just for

ear infections or all colds caused by bacteria. If anyone can shed some

light, I would appreciate it. Either way, I think we will probably end

up bagging thanksgiving again this year (same thing happened last year).

Next year, I am going to have it at my house and the sickies can just

stay home rather than us missing out again. Although, being at home by

ourselves is certainly more relaxing than being with my family (I'm one

of six kids).

Thanks!!!

- mom to Emma 2 years old w/cf and Isabelle 4 years old wo/cf

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