What to know about the common cold

Antibiotics do not treat cold viruses. A blocked or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and cough can overlap, and mucus changing colour alone does not prove a bacterial infection.

Cold viruses irritate the lining of the nose and throat. Symptoms often build gradually and may include mild tiredness, headache or a low fever. A cough can linger after the nose and throat begin to feel better because the airways remain sensitive.

Some illnesses can resemble a cold. Ear pain, facial pressure, a barking cough in a child, or a cough that moves into the chest may need a clinician to check for another cause or a complication.

Drink enough to avoid dehydration, rest as needed and consider saline nose spray or warm drinks for comfort. Honey may soothe cough for adults and children older than one year; never give honey to a baby under one year.

Check combination cold remedies carefully so you do not take the same ingredient twice. A pharmacist can help select an option that fits your age, pregnancy status, health conditions and other medicines. Reduce spread by washing hands, covering coughs and avoiding shared cups.

Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, severe drowsiness, confusion, chest pain, inability to keep fluids down or signs of significant dehydration. A baby with fever or breathing difficulty needs prompt assessment.

Arrange a medical review when symptoms are worsening rather than settling, fever returns after improvement, earache is marked, facial pain is severe, or a cough persists. People with weakened immunity or long-term heart or lung disease should seek advice earlier if symptoms concern them.

Ask whether your symptoms fit an uncomplicated cold, which medicines are compatible with your regular treatment, and what specific change should prompt reassessment. For a child, confirm weight-appropriate medicine choices and whether ear or breathing symptoms need examination.