The common cold

A cold is an infection of the nose and upper airways caused by a germ (virus). They are extremely common. An adult can expect to get 2-4 colds a year and a child can expect about 5-6 colds a year. Very young children in nursery school may get as many as 12 colds a year.

Many different viruses can cause a cold. This is the reason why colds come back and immunisation against colds is not possible.

What is the treatment for a cold?

Treatment for a cold is mainly aimed at easing symptoms whilst your immune system clears the infection. One or more of the following may be helpful:

Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and to ease any aches, pains and headaches.

Drink plenty if you have a fever, to prevent mild lack of fluid in the body (dehydration).

If you smoke, you should try to stop for good. Colds and serious lung diseases tend to last longer in smokers.

Steam inhalation. There is not very much evidence that this helps; however, some people find it useful.

Vapour rubs. Some people find they help for a stuffy nose.

Rub the vapour on the chest and/or back of the person with the cold, but avoid the area under the nose.

Sucking sore throat lozenges and having warm drinks with honey and lemon may help ease a sore throat.

Salt (saline) nose drops. These are nose drops made of a salty solution, which may help clear a blocked nose. They are sometimes helpful for babies who are having difficulty breathing through a blocked nose as they feed.

What about cold and cough remedies?

Available from pharmacies, these do not help fight the infection, but they may be useful for certain symptoms. For example, a decongestant nasal spray may help to clear a blocked nose.

What about antibiotic medicines?

Your doctor may not advise antibiotics if you are in good health.

Your immune system can usually clear the infection. Antibiotics do not kill germs that are viruses.

Consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.