What should you know about common cold plush?

The illness commonly causes a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, tiredness, and sometimes a mild fever. Symptoms can appear gradually and may change as mucus moves from the nose into the throat.

A common cold affects the upper airways, including the nose and throat. It spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact, and contaminated hands or surfaces. Antibiotics do not treat the viruses that cause colds.

A cough can linger after nasal symptoms begin to settle because irritated airways may remain sensitive. A cold can sometimes be followed by a condition such as sinusitis, acute bronchitis, croup, or a middle ear infection, particularly when symptoms change or worsen instead of steadily easing.

Rest when you need it, drink fluids regularly, and use warm drinks or soup to soothe an irritated throat. Saline nasal drops or spray may help loosen mucus, while a humidified room can make dry air feel less irritating.

Wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid sharing cups or towels while unwell. Ask a pharmacist or clinician which symptom medicines are suitable for your age, pregnancy status, medical conditions, and other medicines. Never give honey to a child under twelve months.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, severe drowsiness, confusion, dehydration, or a rapidly worsening illness. For a child, urgent assessment is also appropriate if breathing is noisy or difficult, feeding is markedly reduced, or the child is unusually hard to wake.

Arrange a medical review if symptoms are severe, keep worsening, return after improving, or are not settling as expected. Ear pain, facial pain with thick nasal discharge, chest pain, wheezing, or a persistent cough may need assessment for another problem.

You could ask: Which symptoms suggest something other than a cold? What can I safely use for the blocked nose or cough? Should I be tested for another infection? What warning signs should prompt urgent care for me or my child?