Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Caring for Kids
Public Health Ontario
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
- See also Flu/Influenza
Common Cold
The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract - the nose, nasal passages, and the throat. There are more than 200 viruses that can cause colds. The primary family of viruses that cause common colds in adults are the rhinoviruses. There are more than one hundred kinds of rhinoviruses. These are also called "nose viruses", based on a Greek word "rhino" meaning nose.
More information about the common cold
Individual cases are not reportable to the Health Unit.
Report to the Health Unit as soon as an outbreak is suspected. See Quick Reference for Detecting Outbreaks.
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have the common cold?
Ill individuals should remain home until they do not have a fever, do not develop any new symptoms, and symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours for nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea).
Follow the direction of your healthcare provider or occupational health at your workplace.
Note: Exclusion guidelines may differ for healthcare workers.
Healthcare provider information
Public Health Ontario
Public Health Ontario
Choosing Wisely Canada
Ministry of Health - Ontario Public Health Standards
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: May 2026, by CDC