Common Cold Care

What is the common cold?  

The common cold is a generally minor infection of the nose and throat—also known as the upper respiratory tract. Over 200 respiratory viruses can cause colds, and the most common viruses are rhinoviruses.  

The common cold lasts around seven to ten days for most adults, and adults typically have two to three colds per year. Those who are elderly, have a weakened immune system, smoke, or spend more time in crowded environments, may have more frequent colds each year and may have colds that last longer than ten days. 

What are common cold symptoms? 

Common symptoms of a cold may include: 

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Generally feeling unwell
• Slight body aches or a mild headache
• Low-grade fever 

List adapted from Mayo Clinic 

Symptoms typically start one to three days after being exposed to a cold virus. You also may experience thick mucus that appears yellow or green during a cold. This symptom typically goes away as you recover from your cold.  

How do you catch a cold? 

To “catch” a cold or become exposed to a cold virus, the virus must enter your body through your mouth, eyes, or nose. This most often happens through touching things that have the virus on them or inhaling the droplets in the air. Some of the things that may have the virus on it include:  

• The hand of a person with a cold
• Dishes
• Towels
• Utensils
• Toys
• Telephones 

How can You lessen symptoms of a cold? 

Although your symptoms will likely subside within two weeks, you might consider some tips to reduce any symptoms and support your overall recovery: 

• Drink plenty of fluids, including water and juice, as it can help to ease stuffiness, or congestion, and prevent dehydration.
• Get plenty of rest so that your body can take the time it needs to heal.
• Sip warm liquids to help increase mucus flow.
• Try adding honey to your liquids to soothe your cough.
• Try adding cool moisture to the air using a vaporizer or humidifier as it may help to ease any congestion.
• If you have a sore throat, gargling salt water, using sore throat sprays, or eating ice chips, lozenges or hard candy may help.
• To further ease stuffiness, you may find saline nasal drops and sprays helpful.
• To further relieve your cough, you may find cough medicines useful. If you’re unsure which medicines would be best for you, consider consulting with a health care provider.
• If you’re experiencing pain from your cold, including headaches, body aches, or a fever, you may want to take an over-the-counter (OTC) fever reducer or pain reliever medicine. These include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. You should take these medicines as advised by their labels or a health care provider to prevent adverse reactions. 

How can you prevent catching a cold? 

To prevent spreading the virus of a cold or preventing your risk of illness from a cold, you may want to follow these tips: 

• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, you may want to use a hand sanitizer with a base of at least 60 percent alcohol. Try not to touch your face, eyes, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect shared surfaces that you frequently touch, like doorknobs, electronics, countertops, and light switches.
• Cover your sneeze or cough by sneezing or coughing into a tissue or the crook of your elbow. Wash your hands immediately after.
• Don’t share cups, glasses, utensils, or other objects with other people.
• Avoid close contact with people who have a cold.
• Practice healthy habits, including eating a balanced diet, getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night, and engaging in regular physical activity. 

When should you visit a health care provider? 

Most people recover from a cold without support from a health care provider. However, you may want to visit one for assistance if you have: 

• A fever higher than 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit (38.5 degrees Celsius) that lasts more than three days or one that returns after leaving.
• Symptoms that last longer than ten days or symptoms that get worse and don’t get better.
• Severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain. 
• Intense sore throat, headache, or sinus pain.