Common Cold

Symptoms

Cold symptoms come on gradually over 2 to 3 days.

The main symptoms include:

• a blocked or runny nose
• sneezing
• a sore throat
• a hoarse voice
• a cough
• feeling tired and unwell

You may also have:

• a high temperature
• aching muscles
• a loss of taste and smell
• a feeling of pressure in your ears and face

Symptoms of a cold can last longer in young children. They may also be irritable, have difficulty feeding and sleeping, breathe through their mouth, and get sick after coughing.

Causes

Colds are caused by viruses and easily spread to other people.

Treatment Options

You can usually treat a cold at home without seeing a GP.

There are things you can do to help you get better more quickly.

Do:

• get plenty of rest
• drink lots of fluid, such as water, to avoid dehydration
• eat healthy food (it's common for small children to lose their appetite for a few days)
• gargle salt water to soothe a sore throat (not suitable for children)
• drink a hot lemon and honey drink to soothe a sore throat
• breathe in steam to ease a blocked nose – try sitting in the bathroom with a hot shower running

Do not:

• do not let children breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water because of the risk of scalding
• do not give aspirin to children under the age of 16
• do not smoke as it can make your symptoms worse

If you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.

Prevention Tips

The best ways to avoid catching a cold are:

• washing your hands with warm water and soap
• not sharing towels or household items (like cups or children's toys) with someone who has a cold
• not touching your eyes or nose in case you've come into contact with the virus
• staying fit and healthy

The flu vaccine does not prevent colds.

When To See A Doctor

See a GP if:

• you have a high temperature for more than 3 days
• your cold symptoms get worse
• your temperature is very high or you feel hot and shivery
• you feel short of breath or have chest pain
• you're worried about your child's cold symptoms
• your cold symptoms do not get better after 10 days
• you have a cough for more than 3 weeks
• you get cold symptoms and you have a long-term medical condition (for example, diabetes, or a heart, lung or kidney condition)

• you get cold symptoms and you have a weakened immune system (for example, because you're having chemotherapy)