Coughs and Colds

A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. Cold symptoms come on gradually and can include:

• A blocked or runny nose
• A sore throad
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Coughs
• Sneezing
• A raised temperature
• Pressure in your ears and face
• Loss of taste and smell

The symptoms are the same in adults and children.  Sometimes symptoms last longer in children.

Adults who come into contact with children tend to get more colds. This is because children usually carry more of the virus, for longer. In the UK, you're more likely to get a cold during the winter months.

Treatment of a cold

For most people, a cold will get better on its own within a week of the symptoms starting without any specific treatment. However, there are treatments that can help to ease your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. These are available from your pharmacy, which means that you can treat yourself, rather than needing to see your GP. There is no cure for colds. Antibiotics, which treat infections caused by bacteria, don't work on cold viruses.

Self-help 

There are a number of self-help measures that may help to ease the symptoms of a cold:

• Drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration. 
• Steam inhalations with menthol, salt water nasal sprays or drops may be helpful. 
• Vapour rubs may help relieve symptoms for children. 
• Hot drinks (particularly with lemon), hot soups and spicy foods can help to ease irritation and pain in your throat. 
• Sucking sweets or lozenges which contain menthol or eucalyptus may sooth your throat. 
• Gargling with salt water may help a sore throat. 
• You should try to make sure you get enough rest if you have a cold. It's not usually necessary to stay off work or school.