For most colds you do not need to see your doctor. It is best to get lots of rest, eat well and drink plenty of fluids. If you are suffering headaches or a sore throat, you may find that aspirin or paracetamol help.

Symptoms

Even in the 21st Century there is no magic cure for colds. Antibiotics do not work on viruses. There are hundreds of cold viruses, that is why we can "catch a cold" frequently. It is impossible to immunise against colds.

Children have colds more often than adults do.

Runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, cough and sore throat and raised temperature.

Causes

Colds are caused by various types of viruses which are spread from person to person when tiny mucus droplets in the air are passed by sneezing or coughing.

Children who live with someone who smokes are known to develop more colds and coughs than average. This is because the smoke interferes with the natural defence against viruses. SO STOP SMOKING NOW!

Treatment

• If you have a headache or feel feverish, take paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin
• Drink plenty of fluid - extra body fluids can be lost by sweating
• Steam inhalations will help ease nasal congestion
• The old-fashioned steam is better than decongestant tablets
• Keep the cold to yourself and try not to spread it to your work colleagues or family!

Prevention

• Avoid coming into close contact with people who have colds
• Wrap up warm!
• Eat healthily
• Stop smoking

Seek medical advice

Seek advice from your healthcare professional if...

• a high temperature persists after 4 days
• your fluid intake has declined or stopped
• you have difficulty breathing or breathing is painful
• you have rapid breathing
• you wheeze when breathing
• you have chest pains or persistent earache
• you become drowsy

Recommended web sites

Information from the BBC about colds and flu.