Common Cold
Colds are very common, usually during winter. Most colds are caused by a virus. Symptoms can be relieved with warm drinks or lozenges, nasal sprays and paracetamol. Antibiotics will not help a cold. Aspirin should not be given to children as it can cause a serious illness called Reye's syndrome.
Colds, or upper respiratory tract infections, are the most common cause of illness in children and adults. Most colds are caused by a virus. There are over 200 types of viruses that can cause the common cold, which is why it’s not possible to be immunised against a cold.
Colds are more common in the winter months. Cold weather by itself does not increase the chance of getting a cold. People are in closer contact with each other at this time of year, because they stay indoors, and so are more likely to infect each other. The viruses that cause colds are spread by sneezing, coughing and hand contact.
Symptoms of colds
The symptoms of a cold include various combinations of:
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A stuffy or runny nose
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Sneezing
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Sore throat
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Cough
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Headache
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Red eyes
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Swelling of lymph glands
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Fever (occasionally)
There may be loss of appetite and, sometimes, nausea and some vomiting.
The actual symptoms will vary from person to person and from illness to illness. Usually, the symptoms will last from a few days to a week or more and the person recovers fully without any ongoing problems.
There is no cure but symptoms can be relieved effectively
There is no cure for the common cold. There is no specific treatment that will make the cold go away more quickly. Symptoms can be relieved in a number of ways:
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Cold & Flu preparations such as Codral Day & Night formula are usually the best form of treatment to alleviate symptoms.
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Paracetamol can be given in appropriate doses if fever is present.
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Warm drinks will ease a sore throat and dry mouth.
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Nasal drops or spray will ease a blocked nose.
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Lozenges, particularly those with the added anaesthetic
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Vitamin C, Ecinacea & Zinc preparations serve to aid your immune system and therefore, reduce the time your body takes to clear the virus from your system
Children with a cold don’t need bed rest
There is no need for bed rest if your child has a cold – let the child decide how much activity they want to take part in. Although children are unlikely to be hungry, make sure they drink lots of fluids. Appetite will return as the child starts to feel better.
Don’t use Antibiotics
Antibiotics – colds are caused by a virus and antibiotics will not help, even though they are often prescribed.
N.B Aspirin – do not give children aspirin as it may lead to a serious acute illness called Reye’s syndrome.
When to see the doctor
Virtually all upper respiratory tract infections get better without any specific treatment. See the doctor if the child or adult:
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Refuses to drink fluids
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Vomits frequently
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Complains of intense headache
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Is pale and sleepy
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Has difficulty breathing
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Has a high fever that does not respond to paracetamol
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Shows no improvement in 48 hours
Shows any other signs that you are worried about.
Prevention
It is virtually impossible to avoid getting upper respiratory infections. For the vast majority of children, flu injections are not necessary, but may be helpful for elderly people.
Where to get help
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Your local medical centre/General Practitioner/Doctor
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Contact us at Northcote PharmaSave Pharmacies.
Things to remember
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There is no cure for the common cold but symptoms can be relieved very effectively.
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Most people recover in about a week.
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Antibiotics will be of no benefit as the common cold is caused by a virus and not bacteria
Information contained in this document is not intended to replace medical advice and any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be directed to a medical practitioner.
