COLDS

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Definition: A Cold is a "viral infection." There is no known cure for a viral infection and antibiotics are not effective in treating it.

SYMPTOMS - (can last 7-10 days)

  • Scratchy or sore throat
  • Stuffy head
  • Runny nose with clear nasal discharge
  • Fever below 100.4 F
  • Cough, dry or with clear mucus
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Achiness
  • Hoarseness

SELF-TREATMENT -- Do not treat with antibiotics.

  1. Drink plenty of water and juices to combat dehydration. Avoid alcohol.
  2. Warm drinks such as tea with lemon or honey help drain sinuses and soothe an irritated throat
  3. Keep your room humidity high by using a vaporizer
  4. Take steamy showers; inhaling warm moist air will soothe inflammed nasal and chest mucous membranes
  5. Rest
  6. Use disposable tissues
  7. Wash hands frequently
  8. Stop smoking

TREAT THE SYMPTOMS - Your cold misery can be more bearable by controlling the symptoms.

Symptoms Treatment
  1. Sneezing, stuffy head, runny nose
  2. Fever below 100.5 F, headache (mild), or body aches
  3. Cough
  4. Sore throat or hoarseness
  • Sudafed or decongestant of choice
  • Tylenol, Advil or Ibuprofen
  • Robitussin DM or Del Syn cough syrup
  • Sucrets or Chloreseptic lozenges, salt water gargles

HEALTH SERVICE VISIT RECOMMENDED IF

  1. Fever is greater than 100.4 F for longer than 2 days
  2. Pain, tenderness or pressure around eyes
  3. Persistent nasal discharge for more than 7 days
  4. White patches on back of throat or tonsils
  5. Extremely red throat
  6. Prolonged cough for than 7 days
  7. Painful breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
  8. Chronic, unusual fatigue
  9. Neck glands swollen