Common Cold: Symptoms, Treatment and Causes

What Is A Common Cold?

You can often treat a cold without needing to see a GP, and you should begin to feel better in about 1 to 2 weeks.

Common cold symptoms

Common cold symptoms come on gradually and can include:

·      A blocked or runny nose

·      A sore throat

·      Headaches

·      Coughing

·      Sneezing

·      Muscle aches

·      A high temperature

·      Pressure in your ears and face

·      Loss of taste and smell

Shot of a frustrated businesswoman using a tissue to sneeze in while being seated in the office

The symptoms are the same in adults and children. Sometimes symptoms last longer in children.

How long does the common cold last

You should begin to feel better in about 1 to 2 weeks.

How you can treat a cold yourself

To help you get better more quickly:

·      Get plenty of rest and sleep

·      Stay warm

·      Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water to avoid dehydration

·      Gargle salt water to soothe a sore throat (not suitable for children)

A pharmacist can help with cold medicines

Cough and cold medicines are available from pharmacies or supermarkets and a pharmacist can advise you on the best medicine for your symptoms. For example, you can ease aches and pains or lower a temperature with painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, or relieve a blocked nose with decongestant sprays or tablets.

Some are not suitable for children, babies and pregnant women, so please be sure to ask a pharmacist before taking any medicine.

To avoid spreading infection you could call a pharmacy or contact them online and you could get medicines delivered or ask someone to collect them.