Common cold prevention and treatment

Common cold care focuses on rest, fluids and symptom relief, while hand hygiene and staying home when unwell can reduce spread. Colds are caused by viruses, so antibiotics do not treat the infection. Symptoms may include a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, cough and tiredness.

Cold viruses can pass through respiratory droplets, close contact and contaminated hands or surfaces. Wash hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, improve ventilation, and avoid sharing cups or utensils while ill. Treatment aims to make you more comfortable while your immune system clears the infection. Different symptoms call for different options, and combination products can accidentally duplicate ingredients.

Rest according to how you feel and drink enough to avoid dehydration. Saline nasal drops or a saline rinse may ease congestion when used as directed. Warm fluids can soothe a sore throat, and honey may help a cough in adults and children over one year old. Ask a pharmacist before using decongestants or pain relief if you are pregnant, treating a child, or taking regular medicines. Do not give aspirin to children.

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, severe dehydration, or swelling of the face or throat. Arrange a review if symptoms are severe, worsen after initial improvement, or are not settling. Ear pain, facial pain, or a persistent cough may need assessment for another condition such as [Middle Ear Infection](/conditions/middle-ear-infection/), [Sinusitis](/conditions/sinusitis/) or [Acute Bronchitis](/conditions/acute-bronchitis/).

Which symptom treatments suit my health conditions and current medicines? When can I safely return to work or school? What change would suggest that I need an examination?