When it comes to colds, there is a lot of information out there about how you get them and how to treat them—and not all of it is correct. Perhaps it's because the symptoms can be so miserable, from a sore throat to postnasal drip.
There's no cure for the common cold, but certain things do help ease the annoying symptoms. Here's a rundown of what does and doesn't work for avoiding and treating colds.
How do you catch a cold?
There are more than 200 viruses that can cause a cold. These viruses spread from person to person via viral particles in the air and close personal contact or by touching a contaminated surface.
Cut your risk of catching a cold by washing your hands frequently, not touching your face and avoiding sick people. Exercising and eating healthy foods also help.
Contrary to popular belief, getting wet and chilled can't give you a cold.
What works
Even though you have to wait for a cold to run its course, you may be able to ease symptoms with the following:
• Resting.
• Drinking plenty of fluids.
• Using a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
• Rinsing the nose with saline nasal spray or drops.
• Taking a steamy bath.
• Swallowing some honey for cough relief. (Don't give honey to a child younger than 1 year old.)
• Using an over-the-counter medicine or inhaler, as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Using oral zinc products.
What doesn't work
It's important to know that antibiotics are not effective for treating the common cold. They are only effective at treating illnesses caused by bacteria, not viruses. And their overuse can cause adverse symptoms.
Likewise, many alternative products and supplements, such as echinacea, have not been proven to be effective at treating the common cold.
When should you see a doctor?
Cold symptoms can last from two days to two weeks. Seek medical attention for any severe symptoms or serious complications, including the following:
• Difficulty breathing, fast breathing, or wheezing.
• Dehydration.
• Fever above 102 degrees or fever for longer than a few days.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Ear pain.
• Sinus headache.
• Symptoms that last more than 10 days without improving.
• Symptoms that worsen or improve but then return or worsen.
The COVID Factor
Early symptoms of COVID-19 may also mimic those of a common cold, including a cough, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose. That's why it's important to get tested for COVID-19.
Anyone with underlying health conditions that put them at risk, or who is around others with these health risks, should perform a COVID home test within the first few days of experiencing cold-like symptoms. Day 3 of symptoms is the most accurate timeline for detecting COVID-19 with a home test.
If you aren’t confident that you’ve performed the test correctly, then an office-based test is recommended. If anyone with health concerns tests positive with a home test, they should contact their doctor or visit an Urgent Care to see if medication therapies are indicated.
If you're experiencing a cold that requires treatment, Watson Clinic offers a variety of convenient options. In addition to scheduling an appointment with your established
Family Medicine or
Internal Medicine provider, patients can seek immediate walk-in care from our
Urgent Care Main,
Urgent Care South and
XpressCare Highlands locations, or same day or next day care from
Priority Care Highlands.
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institutes of Health; UpToDate