Colds

Colds are caused by one of 200 viruses. There is no cure for a cold. Antibiotics do not fight viruses. Colds are most common in late winter and early spring. Children have about 6 colds per year while adults have less. A cold usually lasts 7 to 10 days.

Home Treatment:

• You need to treat your symptoms and help stop any serious sicknesses that may happen because of your cold.
• You need to try to get extra rest. Slow down a little from your normal routine.
• Drink lots of liquids. Hot drinks help to relieve congestion.
• Take something to relieve your pain like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. People under 20 years old  should not have aspirin. Do not take aspirin if you are taking a blood thinner. Do not take any medications that you may be allergic to. If unsure about any medication check with the pharmacist or your doctor.
• A hot shower will help ease your stuffy nose.
• Gargling with warm salt water (5ml salt in 500ml water) can help make your sore throat feel better.
• Use Kleenex instead of handkerchiefs to decrease the spread of the cold germs.
• Some petroleum jelly (Vaseline) will help your nose, if it is red and raw from rubbing with the tissues.
• Treat your symptoms separately, rather than taking a one medicine treats all symptoms pill.
• Antihistamines do not help with cold symptoms. They are for allergies.
• Nasal decongestant sprays, if used more than 3 days, can cause the inside of your nose to swell more than before you used the spray ("rebound" effect).

Return to the Emergency Department IF:

• Fever with shaking, chills and spitting up mucus (slime from your lungs)
• Fever that does not come down 2 hours after taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed on the package. If you are unsure how much to take or how often ask the pharmacist.
• You are short of breath, having a hard time to breathe or breathing fast.
• There is a change in the amount or frequency of sputum you cough up.
• You cough up rust-colored or bloody mucus.
• A cough that lasts longer than 7 to 10 days and keeps you up at night.