A viral infection of the nose, throat, and sinuses. The most common illness in humans. Usually resolves in 7 to 10 days without treatment. Antibiotics do not help.
Rest as much as possible. The immune system works harder during sleep — rest is genuinely the most effective treatment.
Stay well hydrated. Drink water, warm broth, or herbal tea consistently throughout the day. Fluids thin mucus and prevent dehydration from fever.
For a blocked or runny nose: saline nasal rinse with a pinch of salt in a cup of warm clean water, sniffed gently into each nostril, provides significant relief. Steam inhalation — breathing over a bowl of hot water with a towel over the head — loosens congestion.
For sore throat: gargle with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) every few hours. Honey in warm water soothes throat irritation.
For fever and body aches: paracetamol or ibuprofen taken with food.
Keep warm. Avoid cold air, especially at night.
Eat light nutritious food even if appetite is poor — your body needs fuel to fight the infection.
Wash hands frequently to prevent spreading to others.
Stay away from work, school, or crowded places for the first 2 to 3 days when you are most contagious.
Fever above 39°C that does not reduce with paracetamol.
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
Severe throat pain making it impossible to swallow — possible tonsillitis or abscess.
Ear pain developing during a cold — possible ear infection.
Symptoms worsening after day 5 rather than improving — possible secondary bacterial infection.
Stiff neck with fever and headache — rule out meningitis.
Cold symptoms in a newborn or infant under 3 months — always see a doctor.
Do not take antibiotics for a cold — they have no effect on viruses and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Do not give aspirin to children under 16.
Do not give cold and flu decongestant medications to children under 6 — they can cause dangerous side effects.
Avoid giving honey to children under 1 year — risk of infant botulism.
✓ What Helps
· Paracetamol for fever and body aches
· Ibuprofen for fever, body aches, and sore throat — take with food
· Saline nasal spray for congestion
· Throat lozenges containing benzocaine or menthol for sore throat relief
· Vitamin C and zinc supplements may reduce duration slightly
✗ What To Avoid
· Antibiotics — no benefit for viral infections
· Aspirin in children under 16
· Decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3 days — cause rebound congestion
→ Ask The Pharmacist For
· Saline nasal rinse sachets
· Paracetamol or ibuprofen appropriate to weight for children
🏥 Get Professional Help
See a doctor if fever is above 39°C, breathing is difficult, symptoms are worsening after day 5, ear pain develops, or if a child under 3 months has any cold symptoms. Most colds resolve without medical treatment.