What is the first treatment tried for common cold?

A common cold is a viral upper respiratory infection. Symptoms can include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, tiredness and mild fever. Treatment eases discomfort while the body clears the infection; antibiotics do not treat viruses.

Different products suit different people. A pharmacist can help you choose a pain or fever medicine and check for interactions, pregnancy considerations, allergies or conditions such as liver disease. Combination cold remedies may contain overlapping ingredients, so read labels carefully.

Rest when you need it, drink enough to avoid dehydration, and use warm drinks or soothing lozenges for a sore throat if suitable. Saline drops or spray may ease a blocked nose. Wash your hands, cover coughs and avoid sharing cups or towels while unwell.

Follow the label for any medicine and never give children an adult product. A GP consultation can help when symptoms are difficult to manage, you have a long-term condition, or the illness is not following a typical course. A telemedicine consultation may be useful when an in-person examination is not needed.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, blue lips, confusion, collapse or inability to keep fluids down. Contact a clinician for a high or persistent fever, worsening symptoms after initial improvement, severe ear or facial pain, or a cough that is becoming more troubling.

Ask whether your symptoms fit a cold or another infection, which symptom medicine is safe with your health conditions, and when you can return to work or school. Ask what warning signs should prompt an examination.