Colds

What is a cold?

The common cold is an infection, mainly of the nose and throat, which is caused by a virus. It lasts two to three days and does not cause serious illness in healthy people.

How did I get it?

The virus, which is very infectious, is spread from person to person by the fine spray shot from the nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. It can also be transmitted by close contact, eg, shaking hands with someone who has a cold.

What will I feel?

You will usually have a runny nose and weepy eyes. You may cough, sneeze, have a sore throat and feel generally off-colour. Some people also have headaches, fever or lose their voice.

What makes it better?

    * resting helps your body fight off the cold
    * drinking at least eight glasses of fluid (water, weak juice or cordial, lemonade, ice-blocks) a day stops you getting dried out, so your mucus is loose and easier to cough or blow out. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol - they dry you out even more
    * taking medication to take down fever and relieve headaches. (NB. do not give aspirin to children under 15 years of age) - your pharmacist will be able to recommend the best product for you
    * inhaling: put a few menthol crystals, drops of eucalyptus oil or friar's balsam into a bowl of steaming water. Put a towel over your head, close your eyes and breathe in the vapour - or stand a large paper bag over the bowl, tear off a corner, breathe through the hole
    * putting a decongestant rub such as Vicks on the throat, chest or on a hanky or pillow will also help clear the nose
    * nose drops may be needed if a baby has a blocked nose and can't suck - your pharmacist will tell you what's best and how to use it
    * cough medicines may help but coughing is the body's way of getting rid of mucus - if your cough is dry and annoying, ask your doctor or pharmacist what to take, and follow directions carefully.

What can my doctor do?

Go to your doctor if you (or your child) do not get better within four days, have sore ears, cough green or thick yellow mucus, have pain in the chest, trouble breathing or have other chronic health problems. Antibiotics are not given for colds because they are caused by a virus, but they may be used to treat some bacterial infections following a cold.

A child who has some of the following symptoms - a very sore throat, vomiting, high fever, blotchy rash, stiff neck, joint or muscle pains, aversion to light, a strange high-pitched cry, extreme lethargy or irritability - should be taken to the doctor immediately to rule out the possibility of serious illnesses such as meningococcal disease.

Please note: everybody is NOT a medical advice service - consult your doctor for specific advice.

Abridged disclaimer (full disclaimer is here): This information is intended solely for New Zealand residents and is of a general nature only and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided and at all times should obtain specific advice from a health professional. All rights reserved. © CMPMedica (NZ) Ltd. This publication is copyright.