About this topic
The common cold is an infection in the nose and throat. A tiny germ, called a virus, causes this infection. It often affects your nose, throat, ears, and sinuses. A cold can easily spread from person to person. Coughing, sneezing, or touching something with the germ on it spreads the cold. ‚
Most colds go away on their own without treatment. Antibiotics will not help a cold. Drugs may be given to help with the signs of a cold. Even though you may feel very sick, the common cold is not a health emergency. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Make breathing easier:
- Use a cool mist humidifier in your bedroom. This will add moisture to the room.
- Raise the head of your bed or sleep with your head and shoulders on a few pillows. This will help to drain mucus.
- Do not smoke or be around others who smoke.
- Keep your fluid levels up:
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of liquids each day.
- Eat a healthy diet such as fruits, veggies, breads, dairy products, meat, and fish.
- Gargle with salt water to help soothe your throat. Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt with a cup of warm water.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help a stuffy nose
- Lower a fever
- Help with pain
- Treat an allergy
- Clear mucus in the nose with saline drops
Always talk to your doctor before you take any drugs. This includes over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and herbal supplements. This is very important if you have high blood pressure. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Vitamin C does not stop colds. Taking it regularly may help you have less severe signs and shorter colds.
- Chicken soup may be helpful. Warm fluids help thin mucus and help the body get rid of it easier.
What problems could happen?
- Colds may cause signs of asthma for people who have asthma.
- Sinus or ear infection
- Lung infections
- Bronchitis
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill the virus.
- If you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. You can also cough into your elbow. Throw away tissues in the trash and wash your hands after touching used tissues.
- Clean items and surfaces you most often touch like door handles, remotes, phones, or toys. Wipe them with a disinfectant. This can help reduce the spread of infection.
- Do not get too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Do not share towels or hankies with anyone who is sick.
- Stay away from crowded places.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes and nose because the virus can enter easily to those body areas.
- Get a flu shot each year.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.
- Trouble breathing
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- It is normal that mucus from your runny nose may become thicker and change color. Do not take an antibiotic. Instead, drink more water-based fluids, especially hot tea and soups.
- Most colds go away within a week. If you are still sick after 14 days, see your doctor.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my breathing.
- I can tell you what I can do to help avoid passing the infection to others.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, or trouble breathing.
Where can I learn more?
American Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/influenza/in-depth-resources/facts-about-the-common-cold.html ‚
Canadian Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/a-z/cold-rhume/index_e.php ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/antibiotic-use/uri/colds.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚