Common cold

Common Cold Q & A

What is the common cold?

The term “common cold” refers to any viral infection that you’ve caught in your respiratory tract, aka your nose and throat. Colds, which usually resolve themselves after a week to 10 days, are characterized by symptoms like:

• A runny nose
• Stuffy nose (congestion)
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• A sore throat
• Low-grade fever
• Mild body aches
• A mild headache

When do I need to see a doctor about my cold?

Colds usually aren’t serious. However, from time to time, they develop into something that requires medical attention, such as strep throat, asthma, acute sinusitis, pneumonia, or acute ear infection.

Symptoms of a more serious common cold include:

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• A returning fever or a fever lasting more than five days
• A fever upwards of 101.3℉
• Severe sinus pain, sore throat, or a headache

When should I bring my child in about their cold?

If your child has any of the following symptoms, take them to see the doctor right away:

Wheezing

A fever lasting more than two days

A climbing fever

In newborns 12 weeks or younger, a fever upwards of 100.4℉

Drowsiness

A severe headache or a cough

Ear pain

Lack of appetite

Worsening symptoms or symptoms that don’t improve

How can I treat my cold?

Colds usually just need to run their course, and they have no cure. However, you can treat your symptoms in a variety of ways.

First and foremost, it’s important to get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids when you’re sick. The rest makes it easier to heal and makes you less miserable, and the fluids rehydrate you and help loosen mucus. Other ways to ease your symptoms include:

• Gargling with salt water to soothe the throat
• Drinking warm liquids like hot tea to loosen phlegm and soothe the throat
• Running a humidifier to loosen phlegm and lessen coughing
• Taking over-the-counter cold remedies, making sure to follow the instructions

If you or your child are suffering from a common cold that’s become more serious and requires medical attention, reach out to the team at NAG Clinics. Schedule an appointment online or over the phone, or if it’s pressing, come into the urgent care clinic.