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
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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.