About Colds
A cold is an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. There are at least 200 different cold viruses, the most common one being the rhinovirus ("nose virus"). Symptoms of a cold usually include a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, low-grade fever, and congestion of the ears, nose, and head. Colds usually last for a few days, but symptoms can persist for weeks.
A perceptive physician once said, "If you treat cold symptoms vigorously, they will go away in seven days. If left alone, they will disappear over the course of a week." There is no cure for the common cold. It is a viral illness that just needs to run its course.
Cold Prevention Tips
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth - Germs spread that way.
- Avoid sharing objects (cups, utensils, cigarettes, etc) with others.
- Manage stress - Stress can lower your body’s ability to fend off colds and cases of flu.
- Eat nutritious foods and take care of yourself.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.
- Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs, and other essential supplies.
Cold Treatment
Because colds are caused by viruses, antibiotic treatments (which work against bacteria) are ineffective. Over-the-counter medications may relieve some symptoms, but will not affect the course of the illness. Remember, your symptoms are a sign that your body’s defenses are fighting the virus. Your body will ultimately heal itself, so be patient and be good to yourself!
Self-Care for a Cold
- Rest: Rest and sleep are the best ways to recharge your body’s immune system. Extra sleep can help your immune system function at its best and potentially shorten the duration of your illness. Stay home and try to be patient with the healing process.
- Hydrate: When you're sick, your body needs extra hydration. Drink plenty of water, hot tea, etc. Water helps restore lost fluids and keeps mucus thin and flowing.
- Increase Humidity: When you're sick with a cold or other respiratory illness, inhaling steam from a vaporizer device or a bowl of hot water may help. It can loosen up mucus in the lungs and sinuses, help with congestion, ease a sore throat, and improve voice hoarseness. Moisten air with a humidifier if you have one. Hot showers or a cool mist vaporizer can also liquefy secretions and unstuff a stuffed-up nose.
- Gargle salt water for sore throat: A saltwater gargle with about 1 teaspoon of salt per cup of warm water can help reduce the pain and swelling of a sore throat. Ice chips are another simple way to stay hydrated and calm a scratchy throat.
- Eat soup, drink hot beverages: Craving some chicken soup? Warm beverages and broths are soothing to the throat and may help thin nasal secretions.
- Avoid cold air: Cold air holds less moisture than warm air. Dry nostrils are more prone to viruses, and if you’re already sick, dry air can worsen a sore throat.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, irritants, and allergens Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can further irritate your nose, throat, and lungs. Alcohol puts a damper on your immune system, can leave you dehydrated, and makes symptoms like congestion worse.
- Use over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. It’s usually best to take a single medicine targeted for a particular symptom, rather than an all-in-one preparation. Read warning labels. Follow instructions. Use only when necessary.
- For pain and fever: Either acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help pain and fever, but only use them when you need to, and be sure to take them with food. Don’t take them if you have allergies to any of the ingredients. Also, don’t take more than is written in the package directions.
- For nasal congestion: If you have severe nasal congestion, consider Pseudoephedrine 30-60 mg every 6 hours to open up your nasal passages (warning: can cause insomnia and make some people anxious/jittery). Don’t take them if you have allergies to any of the ingredients. Also, don’t take more than is written in the package directions.
- For a runny nose: decongestants can provide some relief without drowsiness.
- For a dry cough: look for a suppressant cough syrup with dextromethorphan. Cough syrups plus a vaporizer at your bedside can be a soothing combination for getting a good night's sleep.
- To loosen throat mucus: look for an expectorant syrup with guaifenesin.
- Other: Some folks try to manage with antihistamines, typically used for allergy relief. These medications cause drowsiness and can make cold congestion worse. Use nasal sprays as a last resort, never for more than three days. Be sure and read the entire label on over-the-counter medications. Some have precautions if you have a chronic health problem or are taking other prescription medications. Call your doctor if you are not sure what you can take to provide symptom relief.
- If you have asthma or have needed an inhaler in the past: Make sure you have one on hand and use it!
Remember, your symptoms are a sign that your body’s defenses are fighting the virus. Your body will ultimately heal itself, so be patient and be good to yourself.
When to Call Your Doctor
Cold (and flu) viruses probably account for more unnecessary trips to the doctor than any other causes. Using the self-care measures outlined above can help save you money, time, and frustration. However, understanding when you need your doctor's help is also part of wise medical self-care. After 8-10 days, if your symptoms seem to be getting worse, not better, call your doctor.
Related Services at UHS
Talk with the Pharmacist at your local drugstore for help with over-the-counter medications for symptom relief.
For Students:
- Talk with the UHS Pharmacist (or your local drugstore) for help with over-the-counter medications for symptom relief.
- Advice Nurse: (510) 643-7197
- Appointments: (510) 642-2000
- Ask a Health Worker (located in residence halls and other housing - see Who's Your Health Worker).
For Faculty and Staff:
- Please refer questions to your health plan or primary care provider.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide a second opinion on any health problem or disease. It is meant to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between an individual and his/her clinician.