Colds are caused by any of over 200 respiratory viruses that can cause symptoms in your throat, ears, sinuses, nose, and other airways. Colds are transmitted when you inhale droplets containing virus particles that have been coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. You can also catch a cold by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after you've touched a virus-contaminated surface like door handles, computer keyboards, or money. Antibiotics aren't effective to treat cold viruses and should be prescribed only if a healthcare provider has diagnosed a "secondary" bacterial infection. A cold generally lasts 7 to 21 days.
Signs and Symptoms
Stuffy or runny nose
Watery eyes
Post-nasal drip
Cough
Ear congestion
Hoarseness
Sore throat
Mild headache/sinus pressure
Swollen and/or sore neck glands
Fever
Chills
Body aches
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Self-Care Measures
Rest as much as possible.
Drink 8 ounces of water or juice each waking hour.
Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home (especially your bedroom) moist. Clean it frequently as instructed by the manufacturer.
Take an over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller for aches and fever.
For a stuffy nose, take an OTC oral decongestant, use an OTC decongestant nasal spray or OTC saline nasal spray/drops, or make saline nasal drops at home by dissolving 1/4 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Sniff a couple of drops into each nostril.
A cough is not bad in and of itself, but if it's keeping you from sleeping or resting, take an OTC cough medicine.
Take an OTC antihistamine for nasal drainage, watery eyes, and/or sneezing.
CALL THE UHS 24 HOUR NURSE ADVICE LINE 475-NURS (475-6877) IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:
Severe worsening of your cough with shaking chills and/or chest pain.
Significant worsening of your symptoms over the course of one week.
Fever of 100.5 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher that doesn't come down after taking OTC analgesics or that lasts for more than 72 hours.
Pain or tenderness in your face (over your sinuses) plus a thick nasal discharge that lasts more than one week or severe sinus pain or tenderness.
Ear pain.
The "worst headache of your life."
Breathing difficulty with minimal exertion, at rest, or that interferes with talking that is not caused by nasal congestion.
Please note that nurses who staff the Nurse Advice Line are unable to schedule appointments if you call outside of the UHS Urgent Care Clinic hours of operation.
CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM IF EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:
Unusual dark spots (much like bruises) of any size on your skin. This can be a sign of meningococcal disease which progresses rapidly, can be fatal, and requires immediate medical care.
Severe breathing problems.
UHS Pharmacy
The UHS Pharmacy sells a wide variety of OTC medications for colds, nasal allergies, and many other common illnesses. Ask the Pharmacists which ones are right for your symtoms.
