What should you know about common cold viral infection?

Cold viruses irritate the lining of the nose, throat, and nearby air passages. This can lead to a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, tiredness, and sometimes a mild fever. Several viruses can cause a cold, so having one cold does not protect you from every future cold. The illness can spread through close contact and droplets from coughs or sneezes. A cold may occasionally be followed by a problem such as sinusitis, acute bronchitis, or a middle ear infection.

Drink regularly, choose easy-to-swallow foods if your throat is sore, and allow extra sleep. Saline nasal drops or spray may ease a blocked nose. Warm drinks can soothe irritation, while honey may help a cough in adults and children over one year. Ask a pharmacist about suitable pain or fever medicine, especially if you take other medicines, are pregnant, or are treating a child. Antibiotics do not treat the viruses that cause ordinary colds. Wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid sharing cups while symptoms are active.

Arrange medical advice if breathing becomes difficult, chest pain develops, you cannot keep fluids down, or you become unusually drowsy or confused. Seek advice when symptoms are getting worse rather than easing, a fever is persistent or concerning, or ear or facial pain appears. Babies, older adults, and people with asthma, lung disease, a weakened immune system, or other long-term conditions may need earlier guidance.

Ask which symptoms fit a cold, whether another infection should be considered, and which medicines are suitable for your age and health conditions. You can also ask how to protect household members and what change should prompt a review.