This post was written by Vanessa Cortez, PharmD candidate, and Norm Fenn, PharmD, BCPPS, Parkview Health.
We’ve all been inconvenienced by the uncomfortable effects of a common cold. While having a cold is unpleasant, it’s typically nothing serious. Still, relief typically can’t come soon enough. To help you and your children feel better sooner, we’re sharing common treatments for the most consistent symptoms.
How do I know it’s a cold?
The common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection usually caused by a virus. There are more than 200 viruses that can cause a cold, but the most common is rhinovirus. The common cold is very contagious and spreads easily when a person sneezes, coughs or blows their nose.
Symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, coughing, congestion and sneezing. Children can get colds several times throughout the year which may cause them to miss school. The average cold lasts around seven to ten days and is typically not a medical emergency.
How can I protect myself and others from the common cold?
Common cold germs can spread easily from person to person. To keep yourself and others from getting sick, there are a few simple things you can do:
- Wash your hands.
- Avoid other sick people.
- Avoid touching your face when your hands are not clean.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay at home while you are sick.
How to treat a cold
Since the common cold is caused by viruses and antibiotics don’t have any effect on viruses, there is no one pill to cure the cold. Similarly, there is no vaccine for the viruses that cause the common cold.
Instead, to care for a cold you can treat the symptoms with over-the-counter medications, prescription medications and supportive care. Always consult your child’s pediatrician before buying over-the-counter medications. Drinking plenty of clear liquids and getting lots of rest will help with recovery as well.
Medication tips
- Check with your child’s provider before giving any medications to your child.
- Over-the-counter medications should not be used in children younger than 4 years of age due to a lack of benefit and risk for harm.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help relieve fevers, muscle aches and pain. Pharmacists can help choose a safe, effective dose for these medications.
- A saline nasal spray can be used to help relieve nose congestion and can be used in children. You can also learn more about nasal flushing using a neti pot here.
- Honey may help with irritated throats and coughing; however, it should only be used in children 1 year of age or older.
If you are struggling with your cold symptoms, or have concerns about the severity of the cold, contact your pediatrician or primary care doctor. If you need help finding a doctor, you can call our Access Center at (877) PPG-TODAY or (877) 774-8632. You can also consider our virtual care options for convenient care from the comfort of your home.
References
- Fashner J, Ericson K, Werner S. Treatment of the common cold in children and adults. Am Fam Physician 2012; 86(2): 153-159.
- DeGeorge K, Ring DJ, Dalrymple SN. Treatment of the common cold. Am Fam Physician 2019; 100(5): 281-289.
- Facts about the common cold. American Lung Association.
- Common cold. Mayo Clinic.
- Common colds: protect yourself and others. Centers for disease control and prevention.
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