Health Services
Self Care

Common Cold

Description
The common cold is caused by a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, the nose, throat, head and/or chest. Most colds last about 3 to 5 days and will gradually disappear. Medical science has not yet found the "cure" for the common cold but there are some measures you can take to minimize your discomfort.

Symptoms
Symptoms of a cold may include a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and cough, a headache and mild fever, as well as general fatigue and malaise.

Treatment
No known medication will shorten the duration of a cold; antibiotics are ineffective against the cold virus and flu shots will neither help nor prevent a cold. Non-prescription medications such as decongestants, cough syrups and Tylenol or Advil can provide relief for the symptoms produced by the infection, but should be used judiciously and according to package instructions. Listed below are self-care suggestions for making yourself more comfortable during a cold and for preventing the onset of more serious complications.

• Rest and stay warm; increase your hours of sleep.
• Increase your intake of fluids (water, juices) to relieve cough and fever.
• Gargle with warm salt water to ease the discomfort of a sore throat.
• Use hard candies or cough drops to soothe a dry throat and to inhibit coughing.
• Inhale steam from a hot bath or shower to relieve congestion in your nose, head, and chest.
• Take two Advil or Tylenol every four or five hours to help relieve fever, sore throat, aches and pains.
• Avoid close contact with others and if possible, curtail normal activities, including physical exercise, until your symptoms disappear.
• Avoid smoking during your cold, as it will cause further irritation to your upper respiratory tract.

Complications
Medical treatment is rarely needed for a common cold; however, if you develop any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention, since these complications may indicate a more serious infection:

• Prolonged fever of over 102 degrees F
• Persistent or thick mucus-producing cough
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Persistent earache
• Difficulty swallowing
• Body rash
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Significantly stiff neck
• Extreme headache
• Sensitivity to light

Contagious?
Cold viruses can be transmitted by airborne saliva, so be sure to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Avoid close physical contact with others. The contagion spreads from one person's nose to hand to another person's hand to nose, so hand washing is important. .

More Information/Questions
If your symptoms persist or worsen despite good self-care, medical treatment is available at the Health Center for Messiah students. Call 691-6035 for more information