Colds

Coronavirus

A 32 year old woman comes into the clinic complaining of an acute sore throat, rhinorrhea, hoarseness, and non-productive cough. The symptoms started a few days ago. She is afebrile and does not complain of chills but sneezes frequently during the interview. No other symptoms are present. No other symptoms are present.

Labs: Enveloped, ssRNA viruses of positive polarity. The virus can be cultured but this is rarely done.

Discussion: Diagnosis of the common cold caused by Coronavirus can be made by labs. This however, is rarely done. In a clinical setting, determining the viral cause of the common cold is low yield. The main signs and symptoms are nasal discharge and obstruction, sore or scratchy throat, cough and sneezing. Coronavirus causes coryza associated with sore throat, malaise, headache, mild cough, profuse nasal discharge and low grade fever.

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