Common Cold

The common cold is a mild viral infection of the nose and throat. It's caused by many different viruses, most often rhinoviruses. Adults typically get 2-4 colds a year; children often get more. Colds usually get better on their own in about a week to 10 days.

Symptoms

• Blocked or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Mild body aches
• Mild headache
• Low-grade fever (more common in children)
• Mild tiredness

Cold symptoms come on gradually, unlike flu — which hits suddenly with high fever and severe body aches. Cold symptoms are also typically milder.

Care at home

• Rest
• Plenty of fluids — water, soups, warm drinks
• Steam inhalation for nasal congestion
• Saline nasal drops or spray
• Paracetamol for aches and fever
• Honey for cough (not in children under 1)
• Gargle warm salt water for sore throat
• Humidified air if available

Antibiotics do NOT help a cold — they only work on bacterial infections, not viruses. Over-prescription of antibiotics for colds drives antibiotic resistance.

When to see a doctor

• Symptoms last more than 10 days or worsen after a week (could mean a bacterial complication like sinusitis)
• High fever
• Severe headache or sinus pain
• Ear pain
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Persistent cough with yellow or green phlegm
• A child under 3 months with any fever
• A baby who refuses feeds, is unusually drowsy, or has fast breathing

Prevention

• Wash hands often
• Avoid touching your face
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Stay home when unwell to protect others
• Clean frequently-touched surfaces