I'm no expert either, but I believe that all colds are, by definition, viruses. I know the word "cold" is kind of vague. At least the word flu is based on "the influenza virus" so it is more descriptive. You often hear commercials claiming relief for a cold virus. There are bacterial infections that can have cold like symptoms, that might be confused with colds, but that doesn't make them colds.

Here is a URL that states that colds are in fact viruses, and not bacteria like many people think. Look down about 5-7 paragraphs to see that point.

http://www.drgreene.com/21_562.html

That's another one of my pet peeves, people running to the emergency room for antibiotics for a cold, and doctors prescribing them to make their patients happy, even though antibiotics do nothing for viral problems. That then reinforces the patients belief that antibiotics help colds/flu. Another wives-tale is started! Not to mention the dumbing down of America once again.


Rodney

[ Hide Replies ]

• Can ball pythons catch human cold/flu? - knotfreak, Thu Dec 4 17:23:59 2003
• RE: Can ball pythons catch human cold/flu?Doubt it. - Herpquest, Thu Dec 4 18:33:27 2003
• RE: Can ball pythons catch human cold/flu? - rodmalm, Fri Dec 5 02:45:30 2003
• RE: Can ball pythons catch human cold/flu? - steve71, Fri Dec 5 07:57:18 2003
• RE: Can ball pythons catch human cold/flu? - rodmalm, Fri Dec 5 13:19:33 2003
• nice generalization about physicians np - brstrife, Fri Dec 5 15:59:40 2003