What causes coughs, runny noses, and other symptoms of the common cold?— These symptoms are usually caused by a viral infection. Lots of viruses can take hold inside your nose, mouth, throat, or lungs, and cause cold symptoms.
Most people get over a cold without lasting problems. Even so, having a cold can be uncomfortable. And if your child has a cold, it is hard to know when the symptoms call for a trip to the doctor.
What are the symptoms of the common cold? — The symptoms include:
Sneezing
Coughing
Sniffling and runny nose
Sore throat
Chest congestion
In children, the common cold can also cause a fever. But adults do not usually get a fever when they have a cold.
If you are older than 75, you should also call your doctor or nurse any time you get a long-lasting cough
Call your or your child's doctor or nurse if he or she:
Has a stuffed or runny nose that gets worse or does not get better after 2 weeks
Has ear pain, pulls at his or her ears, or shows other signs of having an ear infection
What can I do to feel better? — If you are an adult, you can try cough and cold medicines that you can get without a prescription. These medicines might help with your symptoms. But they won't cure your cold, or help you to feel better faster.
If you decide to try nonprescription cold medicines, be sure to follow the directions on the label. Do not combine two or more medicines that have acetaminophen in them. If you take too much acetaminophen, the drug can damage your liver. Also, if you have a heart condition, or you take prescription medicines, ask your pharmacist if it is safe to take the cold medicine you have in mind.
What should I know if my child has a cold? — In children, the common cold is often more severe than it is in adults. It also lasts longer. Plus, children often get a fever during the first three days of a cold.
Are cough and cold medicines safe for children? — If your child is younger than 6, you should NOT give him or her any cold medicines. These medicines are not safe for young children. Even if your child is older than 6, cough and cold medicines are unlikely to help.
NEVER give aspirin to any child younger than 18 years old. In children, aspirin can cause a life-threatening condition called Reye syndrome. When giving your child acetaminophen or other nonprescription medicines, never give more than the recommended dose.
How long will I be sick? — Colds usually last 3 to 7 days, but some people have symptoms for up to 2 weeks.
Can the common cold lead to more serious problems? — In very few cases, yes. In some people having a cold can lead to:
Pneumonia or bronchitis (infections of the lungs)
Ear infections (in children)
Other infections
How can I keep from getting another cold? — The most important thing you can do is to wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol hand rubs work well, too. The germs that cause the common cold can live on tables, door handles, and other surfaces for at least two hours. You never know when you might be touching germs. That's why it's so important to clean your hands often.
