Common Cold

Acute illness

In contrast to the flu, a common cold can be caused by many different types of viruses (over 200) and that’s where there’s no effective vaccination. The condition is generally harmless and symptoms usually resolve within two weeks.

Symptoms include

a runny nose
Sneezing
Congestion
Sore throat
Cough
Headache
Red eyes
Swelling of lymph glands
Occasional fever
There may be loss of appetite, sometimes nausea and vomiting

High fever or severe symptoms are reasons to see a doctor, especially in children.

Most people recover on their own within one to two weeks.

Over-the-counter products and home remedies can help control symptoms.

Paracetamol can be given if pain and fever are bothersome (15mg/kg in children up to 1g)
Warm drinks such as honey lemon tea can soothe a sore throat and improve a cough
Salt water gargle can also help a sore throat
Nasal rinse, saline nasal spray or decongestant nasal spray can ease a blocked nose and prevent sinus headaches – see our page on triple nasal therapy/sinusitis
Lozenges – these help an incessant cough and you can use any kind of lozenge, it doesn’t need to be a cough drop. Sugar-free is good if you’ll be going through a lot of them

Things that don’t help

Antibiotics – Colds are caused by viruses and you’re unlikely to get an antibiotic from us if you have a cold. They can cause side effects that just make you feel worse if you don’t need them
Cough medicines – these never really help. The cough is caused by irritation of the trachea, or from mucous that trickles down. Dry or chesty cough medicines will not help either of these symptoms
Cold and flu tablets – The most helpful element in cold and flu tablets is paracetamol. If you have other symptoms like a blocked nose, it’s better to use a separate spray or rinse instead of an all-in-one tablet. Think of it as making a custom preparation for you instead of taking things you don’t need, and which won’t help anyway.
Aspirin – do not give children aspirin as it can lead to a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome

When to see the doctor

Although most people recover quite quickly without any intervention, you should see us if you;

Are unable to drink liquids
Are vomiting frequently
Have an intense headache that just doesn’t feel right
Are pale and sleepy
Have any difficulty breathing
Have a high fever that isn’t responding to paracetamol
Show no improvement in 48 hours
Are concerned about any signs that worry you at all (after all, you know yourself and your family best)

Prevention

It’s almost impossible to avoid catching a cold. To date, there have been no vitamins or supplements that have shown to reliably prevent a cold (and lots of evidence showing that supplements are not likely to contain what they claim anyway!).

Flu vaccinations will help avoid the flu (but not cold) and are still worthwhile, especially if any other underlying conditions can be made worse.

Hand washing, covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and throwing away used tissues immediately can help prevent the spread to your contacts. If you’re happy to don the look, face masks can be helpful to prevent the spread to friends, family and colleagues.

Food poisoning

Burns: Immediate management and treatment

GSH Doctors who provides Acute Illness service

Dr Rosemary Chen

BMed; FRACGP

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Common Cold

Acute illness

Most people recover on their own within one to two weeks.

Things that don’t help

When to see the doctor

Prevention

Let our doctors guide you to better health so you can live your best life