The common cold is something that everyone has experienced. A cold is uncomfortable and annoying and you can’t make it go away, but you can manage it to keep yourself comfortable. You can also take steps to prevent it from spreading to others, including your family.
What Is a Cold?
A cold is a viral upper respiratory infection that affects your sinuses, nose, throat, and windpipe. The most common virus that causes a cold is the rhinovirus, but there are more than 200 viruses that can be the culprit. The cold is highly contagious, which is why it is so common.
Cold Symptoms
Cold symptoms usually come in stages, and last about seven to ten days. Usually, the first sign is a tickle or soreness in the throat. During the first few days, you also may experience the following:
- Runny nose and nose congestion
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Hoarseness
From around days four to seven, you may have additional symptoms, including:
- Body aches and headaches
- Fatigue
- Runny eyes
- Fever, although this is more common in children
In the last few days of a cold, the symptoms begin to subside, although sometimes a cough can linger.
Treating a Cold
Nothing can cure a cold. Many people think that antibiotics can cure it, but that is not true. Antibiotics cure bacterial infections, not viral infections, and the cold is a viral infection. Taking antibiotics when they are not necessary can lead to antibiotic resistance, meaning that antibiotics may be ineffective when you actually do need them. Do not ask your doctor to prescribe them when you have a cold.
You can, however, take various medicines to relieve your symptoms. These include:
- Decongestants: Medicines like Sudafed can relieve nasal congestion.
- Antihistamines: Drugs like Benadryl can help with sneezing and a runny nose.
- Pain relievers: Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen can help with head and body aches, and reduce fever.
- Expectorants: Mucinex or other expectorants can thin and loosen mucus so that it’s easier to get out.
- Cough suppressants: Coughing can be reduced with Robitussin or Dayquil.
- Nasal sprays: These sprays can relieve nasal congestion.
You also should get plenty of rest and drink a lot of fluids.
Managing a Cold for a Baby
Having a baby with a cold can be distressing, but you can help your baby to be more comfortable. Don’t give them over the counter medications, however, unless your doctor makes a recommendation.
Ways to care for your baby include:
- Ensuring that they are hydrated. Formula or breastmilk is best for babies less than 6 months, and over six months they can have water.
- Using saline and suction before they eat. Drop some saline drops into their nostrils, wait a few minutes, and then suction out the mucus in their nose.
- Running a humidifier or vaporizer. This can keep your baby’s nose and throat moist.
- Applying petroleum jelly to the exterior of the nostrils. This can relieve irritation from a runny nose.
- Keeping your baby at home. Let them rest as much as possible.
Preventing Your Cold from Spreading
Several steps can prevent your cold from spreading.
- Stay home. A cold can be contagious for up to 10 days or more, so it’s best to take some time off.
- Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching surfaces in your home that other members of your family touch regularly.
- Disinfect all surfaces that you touch regularly.
- Cover your sneezes and coughs to keep germs from spreading through the air.
- Keep your distance from the other members of your household. Use a separate bathroom if possible.
- If you have to go somewhere, don’t shake hands with people, and keep a safe distance away from others.
- Wear a mask if you go out.
When to See Your Doctor
Most of the time, you don’t need to go to the doctor if you have a cold, but if you have the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away.
- High fever
- Ear pain
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
If your symptoms last more than 10 days or get worse, it’s also a good idea to see your doctor.
If your baby develops any of these symptoms, see your pediatrician.
- High fever
- Vomiting
- No appetite
- Incessant crying
- Ear pain (they may try to grab at their ears)
- Excessive sleepiness
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
In Closing
Colds are inevitable – it’s called the common cold for good reason. Colds are not curable, but you can take steps to manage them and keep your family and others safe. If you or a family member has a cold with severe symptoms, Health Care Alliance is here to help. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized, and accessible care regardless of your ability to pay. Reach out today to learn more.
