How do you differentiate between cold and flu symptoms. What are effective home remedies for treating common colds. When should you seek medical attention for respiratory infections.

Understanding the Common Cold: Causes and Symptoms

The common cold is a viral infection that affects millions of people each year. While generally not severe, it can cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily activities. But what exactly causes a cold, and how can you recognize its symptoms?

What causes the common cold?

Colds are primarily caused by viruses, with over 200 different types capable of triggering the infection. The most common culprits include:

• Rhinoviruses
• Coronaviruses (not to be confused with COVID-19)
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Parainfluenza viruses

These viruses spread through air droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, as well as through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

Recognizing cold symptoms

Cold symptoms typically develop gradually over a few days and may include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Congestion
• Slight body aches
• Mild fatigue
• Low-grade fever (less common)

Can cold symptoms vary in severity? Indeed, the intensity of symptoms can differ from person to person and may depend on factors such as overall health, age, and the specific virus causing the infection.

Cold vs. Flu: Spotting the Differences

While colds and flu share some similarities, they are distinct illnesses with different levels of severity. Understanding the differences can help you determine the appropriate course of action for treatment.

Key distinctions between cold and flu

Here are some crucial factors that distinguish colds from flu:

1. Onset of symptoms: Flu symptoms typically come on suddenly, while cold symptoms develop gradually.
2. Fever: High fevers are more common with the flu, while colds rarely cause significant temperature elevation.
3. Body aches: Flu often causes severe body aches, whereas colds usually result in mild discomfort at most.
4. Fatigue: Extreme exhaustion is a hallmark of flu, while colds generally cause only mild tiredness.
5. Complications: Flu is more likely to lead to serious complications like pneumonia, especially in high-risk individuals.

How long do cold and flu symptoms typically last? Cold symptoms usually peak within 2-3 days and resolve within a week, while flu symptoms can persist for 1-2 weeks or longer.

Effective Home Remedies for Managing Cold Symptoms

While there’s no cure for the common cold, various home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and promote faster recovery. Here are some tried-and-true methods:

Hydration and nutrition

Staying well-hydrated is crucial when fighting a cold. Consider these options:

• Water: Aim for at least 8 glasses per day
• Herbal teas: Chamomile, ginger, or echinacea tea can soothe symptoms
• Chicken soup: Provides hydration and may have anti-inflammatory properties
• Fruits high in vitamin C: Oranges, kiwis, and strawberries can boost immune function

Rest and relaxation

Giving your body ample time to rest is essential for recovery. Try these strategies:

• Get extra sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours per night
• Take short naps during the day if needed
• Avoid strenuous activities until symptoms improve
• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing

Natural decongestants and expectorants

To relieve congestion and promote mucus expulsion, consider these natural remedies:

• Steam inhalation: Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or take a hot shower
• Saline nasal rinse: Use a neti pot or saline spray to clear nasal passages
• Honey: A natural cough suppressant and throat soother
• Eucalyptus oil: Add a few drops to hot water for steam inhalation

Are there any potential risks associated with natural cold remedies? While most natural remedies are safe, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying new treatments, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Cold and Flu Relief

When home remedies aren’t enough, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide additional relief from cold and flu symptoms. Here’s a guide to common OTC options:

Pain relievers and fever reducers

These medications can help alleviate body aches and reduce fever:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen (Aleve)

Is it safe to combine different types of pain relievers? Generally, it’s best to stick to one type of pain reliever unless directed otherwise by a healthcare provider. Combining certain medications can increase the risk of side effects.

Decongestants and antihistamines

These medications can help relieve nasal congestion and runny nose:

• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
• Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Loratadine (Claritin)

Cough suppressants and expectorants

For managing coughs, consider these options:

• Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM): Cough suppressant
• Guaifenesin (Mucinex): Expectorant to thin mucus

How long should you use OTC cold and flu medications? Most OTC medications should not be used for more than 7-10 days without consulting a healthcare provider. Prolonged use can mask underlying conditions or lead to side effects.

Preventing the Spread of Colds and Flu

While it’s not always possible to avoid catching a cold or flu, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk and prevent spreading these viruses to others.

Proper hand hygiene

Washing your hands frequently is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of respiratory infections. Follow these guidelines:

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water aren’t available
• Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes

Respiratory etiquette

Protect others by practicing good respiratory hygiene:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Dispose of used tissues immediately
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands

Social distancing and isolation

When you’re sick, take steps to avoid infecting others:

• Stay home from work or school when you have cold or flu symptoms
• Avoid close contact with others, especially those at high risk for complications
• Use separate household items (e.g., towels, utensils) when possible

How long should you stay home when you have a cold or flu? Generally, it’s advisable to stay home until you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. For colds without fever, consider staying home for the first few days when symptoms are most severe.

Boosting Your Immune System to Fight Colds and Flu

A strong immune system is your best defense against colds and flu. While no single approach can guarantee immunity, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help support your body’s natural defenses.

Nutrition for immune support

A balanced diet rich in nutrients can help strengthen your immune system. Focus on:

• Fruits and vegetables high in vitamins C and E
• Lean proteins
• Whole grains
• Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir
• Herbs and spices with immune-boosting properties (e.g., garlic, ginger, turmeric)

Exercise and physical activity

Regular exercise can help boost immune function. Aim for:

• At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
• Strength training exercises 2-3 times per week
• Daily stretching or yoga for flexibility and stress reduction

Stress management and sleep

Chronic stress and lack of sleep can weaken your immune system. Try these strategies:

• Practice mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, aiming for 7-9 hours per night
• Limit screen time before bed to improve sleep quality
• Engage in hobbies or activities that help you relax

Can supplements help boost the immune system? While some supplements, such as vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea, have shown potential benefits for immune function, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. A balanced diet is generally the most effective way to support immune health.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Cold and Flu Symptoms

While most colds and flu cases can be managed at home, certain situations warrant medical attention. Recognizing these signs can help prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.

Warning signs for adults

Seek medical care if you experience any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent chest pain or pressure
• Confusion or sudden dizziness
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Warning signs for children

In children, watch for these additional symptoms:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child doesn’t want to be held
• Fever with a rash

High-risk groups

Some individuals are at higher risk for complications and should consult a healthcare provider early in the course of illness:

• Adults 65 years and older
• Pregnant women
• Young children, especially those under 5 years old
• People with chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease, diabetes)
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

How quickly should you seek medical attention if you experience warning signs? If you or a loved one experiences any of these warning signs, it’s important to seek medical care promptly. For severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, call emergency services immediately.

By understanding the differences between colds and flu, implementing effective home remedies, practicing prevention strategies, and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can better manage respiratory infections and protect your health. Remember that while these illnesses are common, they can sometimes lead to serious complications, especially in high-risk individuals. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.

How to treat the common cold at home: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Colds are very common. A visit to your health care provider’s office is often not needed, and colds often get better in 3 to 4 days.

A type of germ called a virus causes most colds. There are many types of viruses that can cause a cold. Depending on what virus you have, your symptoms may vary.

Common symptoms of a cold include:

• Fever (100°F [37.7°C] or higher) and chills
• Headache, sore muscles, and fatigue
• Cough
• Nasal symptoms, such as stuffiness, runny nose, yellow or green mucus, and sneezing
• Sore throat

Mild symptoms of COVID-19 may be similar to those of the common cold. Always check with your provider if you are at risk for COVID-19.

Treating your symptoms will not make your cold go away, but will help you feel better. Antibiotics are almost never needed to treat a common cold.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) help lower fever and relieve muscle aches.

• Do not use aspirin.
• Check the label for the proper dose.
• Call your provider if you need to take these medicines more than 4 times per day or for more than 2 or 3 days.

Over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines may help ease symptoms in adults and older children.

• They are not recommended for children under age 4. Talk to your provider before giving your child OTC cold medicine, which can have serious side effects.
• Coughing is your body’s way of getting mucus out of your lungs. So, only use medicine to suppress a cough when your cough becomes too painful.
• Throat lozenges or sprays for your sore throat.

Many cough and cold medicines you buy have more than one medicine inside. Read the labels carefully to make sure you do not take too much of any one medicine. If you take prescription medicines for another health problem, ask your provider which OTC cold medicines are safe for you.

Drink plenty of fluids, get enough sleep, and stay away from secondhand smoke.

Wheezing can be a common symptom of a cold if you have asthma.

• Use your rescue inhaler as prescribed if you are wheezing.
• See your provider immediately if it becomes hard to breathe.

Many home remedies are popular treatments for the common cold. These include vitamin C, zinc supplements, and echinacea.

Although not proven to be helpful, most home remedies are safe for most people.

• Some remedies may cause side effects or allergic reactions.
• Certain remedies may change the way other medicines work.
• Talk to your provider before trying any herbs and supplements.

Wash your hands often. This is the best way to stop the spread of germs.

To wash your hands correctly:

• Rub soap onto wet hands for 20 seconds. Make sure to get under your fingernails. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel and turn faucet off with paper towel.
• You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol. Use a dime size amount and rub all over your hands until they are dry.

To further prevent colds:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into the crook of your elbow and not into the air.

Try treating your cold at home first. Call your provider right away, or go to the emergency room, if you have:

• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden chest pain or abdominal pain
• Sudden dizziness
• Acting strangely
• Severe vomiting that does not go away

Also contact your provider if:

• You start acting strangely
• Your symptoms get worse or do not improve after 7 to 10 days

Upper respiratory infection – home care; URI – home care

• Cold remedies

Cohen YZ. The common cold. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 58.

Lopez SMC, Williams JV. The common cold. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 407.

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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The Difference Between Cold and Flu Symptoms

What is a cold and what is the flu?

A cold and the flu are viral infections. They both affect your respiratory system. This includes your throat, nose, airway and lungs. It is difficult to tell the two apart. The flu is generally worse than a cold. It is common to get a cold more than once a year. Most people get the flu only a few times every 10 years.

Symptoms of a cold or the flu

A cold and the flu have similar symptoms. However, they are two different conditions.

Cold symptoms include:

• Fever up to 102°F
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Green or yellow nasal discharge
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Feeling tired
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Watery eyes
• Symptoms develop slowly
• Symptoms are mild

Flu symptoms include:

• Fever over 102°F
• Stuffy nose
• Nausea
• Chills and sweats
• Feeling tired
• Muscle aches, especially in back, legs, and arms
• Cough
• Headache
• Poor appetite
• Symptoms appear suddenly
• Symptoms are more intense

One particular type of flu is considered serious. It is called h2N1 flu. Some people call it swine flu. It is a respiratory infection. It is caused by a virus found in pigs. It can infect humans. Its symptoms are similar to other flu symptoms.

For a common cold or the flu, you don’t need to see your doctor. However, if your symptoms become serious, call or see your doctor. Serious symptoms for children include:

• High fever (above 103°F)
• Fever that lasts for more than 3 days
• Trouble breathing, fast breathing, or wheezing
• Bluish skin color
• Earache or ear drainage
• Difficulty waking up
• Irritability
• Seizures
• Symptoms that improve and then return with a fever or worse cough
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes or heart disease)
• Vomiting or stomach pain

Serious symptoms in adults include:

• A high, prolonged fever (above 102°F) with fatigue and body aches
• Symptoms that last longer than 10 days or get worse
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Fainting or feeling like you are going to faint
• Confusion or disorientation
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Severe sinus pain in your face or forehead
• Swollen gland in the neck or jaw

Cold and flu symptoms can last between 2 and 14 days.

What causes a cold or the flu?

Viruses cause colds and the flu. More than 200 different viruses can cause colds. Not as many viruses cause the flu. That’s why there’s a vaccine available for the flu and not for colds.

How is a cold or the flu diagnosed?

There is no test to diagnose a cold. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and suggest treating the symptoms. If your doctor suspects you have the flu, he or she may test you. The test involves swabbing the inside of your nose or back of your throat. Results are available fairly quickly.

Can a cold or flu be prevented or avoided?

There are things you can do to reduce your risks for colds and flu. They include:

• Wash your hands frequently. Use soap. This stops the spread of germs.
• Eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep. These things boost your immune system.
• Cough and sneeze into the inside of your elbow (not your hands).
• Clean common surfaces, such as tables, counters, toys, door handles and bathrooms. Use anti-bacterial disinfectants.
• Get a flu vaccine (shot or nasal spray). It is available through flu season. The best time is October and November. The flu shot is safe for adults and all children 6 months of age and older. It is strongly recommended that all children 6 months of age to 59 months of age get a yearly flu shot. The nasal-spray vaccine contains live but weakened viruses. It is safe for adults and all children 2 years of age and older who do not have asthma or breathing problems. Talk to your doctor before getting the nasal spray vaccine. You cannot get the flu from the flu shot or the nasal-spray vaccine. Some people who get the vaccine will still get the flu. They usually get a milder case than people who aren’t vaccinated. The vaccine is recommended for people who are more likely to get really sick from flu-related complications.

Colds and the flu treatment

There’s no cure for the common cold or the flu. Antibiotics do not work against the viruses that cause colds and the flu. The illness has to run its course. You can do some things to ease your symptoms. For a low fever, mild aches, and pains, take products such as acetaminophen (one brand: Tylenol), naproxen (one brand: Aleve) or ibuprofen (one brand: Advil). Drink plenty of fluids. Get as much sleep as you can. Stay home to avoid spreading germs to others.

Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine for the flu. This only shortens the length of time you are sick. These medicines come as pills, syrup or in an inhaler. The inhaled type may cause problems for some people who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some antiviral medicines can cause nausea and vomiting.

When easing a child’s symptoms, acetaminophen (one brand: Children’s Tylenol) can help ease pain and lower a fever. Be sure you are giving your child the correct dose according to his or her age and weight.

Nasal sprays and decongestants are not recommended for young children. They may cause side effects. Cough and cold medicines are not recommended for children. This is especially true for those younger than 2. There is little evidence that cough and cold medicines and nasal decongestants are effective in treating children.

To treat your child’s cold or the flu, make sure that your child rests. Give him or her plenty of fluids. Use a humidifier to moisten the air in your child’s bedroom. This will help with nasal congestion. Use a saline nasal spray to thin nasal mucus. Use a bulb syringe to suction mucus out of your baby or child’s nose.

Living with a cold or the flu

Cold and flu symptoms are uncomfortable. You will not feel well for the time it takes your cold and flu to run its course. Ease your symptoms with rest, fluids, over-the-counter medicine, and blowing your nose.

Questions to ask your doctor

• How long will my cold or flu symptoms last?
• How long should I or my child stay home?
• Do all cold and flu medicines require prescriptions?
• Can I get the flu vaccine while I’m sick?
• Is the vaccine effective after I’ve had the flu?
• I’m pregnant. Is there danger to my baby from the flu?

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cold Versus Flu

U.S. National Library of Medicine, Common Cold

U.S. National Library of Medicine, Flu

How to distinguish the flu from a cold

The common cold is often confused with the flu, mistakenly taking one for the other. Learn to discern to avoid complications.

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARVI), commonly referred to as the common word “cold”, are caused by a huge number of viruses and account for approximately three-quarters of all infectious diseases on the planet.

How is SARS transmitted?
They are transmitted mainly by airborne droplets, that is, through the air along with the sputum of a sick person when he sneezes or coughs.

Flu epidemic
Viruses cause inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, throat, trachea and bronchi.

SARS is not the flu

The common cold is often confused with the flu, mistaking one for the other. It should be remembered that ARVI is a more harmless disease that usually passes quickly, is easily cured and rarely gives complications.
The illness caused by the influenza virus is more severe and can lead to complications such as pneumonia.

Most important flu symptoms
Call a doctor urgently if you or your family have these symptoms:

– a sharp increase in temperature to 39-40 degrees,
– severe muscle pain (“body aches”),
– dry and painful cough in the absence of a runny nose,
– severe weakness.

What if SARS?

Slightly elevated temperature, sore throat and runny nose? These are typical symptoms of SARS. This disease is treated quite simply.

Unfortunately, it is customary to either “walk” a cold on one’s feet, or kill it with a set of cough tablets, antibiotics, and cold drops taken at the same time. Without calling a doctor.

Important! Antibiotics do not treat SARS or flu! They are used only as directed by a doctor in the event that diseases cause complications.

Take your time with your medications

Cough, runny nose and sore throat are phenomena of a completely different order. Even cough remedies can be of two types: stopping the cough reflex (with a dry cough) and facilitating the removal of sputum (with a wet cough).

Nose drops are no easier to choose from. Almost all drugs offered on the market include vasoconstrictors that allow you to remove the swelling of the mucous membrane and save a person from a “clogged” nose.

These drugs are contraindicated in children under six years of age, pregnant and lactating women, and older people, since the vasoconstrictor components can cause an increase in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate.

That is why even with a “banal” runny nose, medicines should be selected by a doctor. He can professionally evaluate individual indications and contraindications.

Is it necessary to lower the temperature?

The recommendations of the World Health Organization say that the temperature should not be brought down below 38.5 degrees.

This temperature is a protective reaction of the body to the invasion of infection. After all, bacteria and viruses reproduce equally poorly both in the cold and at elevated temperatures.

In addition, a high temperature is a sign that the infection still exists in the body and needs to be fought.

Who needs to bring down the temperature?

Bringing down the temperature is necessary: ​​

– for children and adults with heart disease (angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, heart defects),

– for those suffering from chronic bronchitis, obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma,

– for people with diseases of the central nervous systems, for example suffering from epilepsy.

Important! Temperature is always a reason to see a doctor.

Help yourself

– Don’t be a hero. At the first sign of SARS, refuse to go to work and stay at home. Lie down more, try not to read or watch TV. Postpone the solution of work issues by phone. Allow yourself to get sick, and the immune system not to be distracted by other tasks, except for healing.

– Drink more. A healthy body needs at least one and a half liters of water per day. With illness, the need for fluid increases. Try to drink warm drinks and avoid alcohol. Alcohol does not cure a cold, but, on the contrary, lowers the body’s defenses. An attempt to cure with “vodka with pepper” can lead to a delay in the healing process.

– Don’t overeat. Appetite for ARVI is usually reduced, but relatives and friends sometimes try to please the patient with various delicacies. Digesting a large amount of fatty or sweet foods is an additional burden on the body.

reasons, how to cure quickly, whether to see a doctor

We are accustomed to associate colds with fever. But sometimes a person has all the signs of SARS, and the body temperature remains normal. Because of this, it seems that the condition is not serious, and you can ignore it. Let’s talk about whether it is necessary to treat a cold without fever, and when to see a doctor.

Why there is no temperature during a cold

The temperature rises when substances called pyrogens accumulate in the body. Pyrogens are infectious – they include the toxins of viruses and metabolic products of microorganisms. There are also non-infectious pyrogens – these are substances that enter the body from the environment or arise during inflammation or allergies. When pyrogens interact with cells of the immune system, they provoke the production of secondary pyrogens – cytokines. They act on the thermoregulatory center in the brain and increase body temperature. The more pyrogens, the higher the temperature, and vice versa. The amount of these substances in the blood depends on the type of pathogen and the response of the immune system.

Symptoms of a viral infection usually appear 1 to 3 days after infection. SARS can occur with subfebrile fever – up to 37.2ºС, or no temperature at all ¹ . In this case, other symptoms of a cold appear: headache, muscle pain, runny nose and nasal congestion, sore throat, cough and fatigue ² . These signs usually resolve within 4–10 days, although the cough may persist for 14 days or longer ³ .

The absence of temperature is usually associated with the reaction of the immune system. This happens if the pathogen is non-aggressive, and the body fights it with milder methods. As a result, inflammation-controlling substances, including pyrogens, are produced in small amounts and do not affect body temperature. The temperature will not rise if a person has already suffered a similar disease, and antibodies to the infectious agent remain in the body.

If the patient is already taking drugs that can suppress the temperature, it may also not rise. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, that is, NSAIDs.

What is the danger of a cold without fever

It is believed that a cold without fever does not require treatment. This is not so, because dangerous complications do not develop due to fever, but under the action of the infectious agent on internal organs and systems. At the same time, it is easy to miss the worsening of the condition, since many people treat the disease without fever carelessly – they carry it on their feet and do not take medicine.

Possible complications ⁴ :

● vascular pathology – increased blood pressure, disruption of the kidneys;

● exacerbation of bronchial asthma;

● otitis media;

● sinusitis ⁵ ;

● increased blood clotting;

● thrombosis – blockage of blood vessels by a thrombus;

● vasculitis – inflammation of blood vessels;

● gastroenterocolitis – inflammation of the stomach and intestines;

● encephalitis – inflammation of the brain;

● meningitis – inflammation of the membranes of the brain;

● myocarditis – inflammation of the muscular membrane of the heart;

● cytokine storm – a sharp increase in the concentration of inflammatory substances in the blood, which leads to death.

A cold without fever can trigger an infectious process that has been in the body for a long time, but did not manifest itself in any way – for example, when carrying Staphylococcus aureus ⁶ .

When to see a doctor

You should definitely see a doctor if:

● symptoms unusual for a cold, such as a rash, have joined;

● Symptoms of the disease persist for more than 10 days.

● sick person who has a high risk of developing complications. These include pregnant women, those with diabetes, asthma and other chronic illnesses, and people over 65 years of age ⁷ .

Uncomplicated colds can be treated at home.

How to treat a cold without fever

The treatment of a cold begins with the replenishment of fluid in the body. The patient needs to drink 20–40 ml/kg of body weight per day. Not only water is considered, but also tea, unsweetened compote, fruit drink. Drinking should be warm – this helps to reduce intoxication and speed up recovery.

90% of colds are caused by viruses and only 10% by bacteria ⁸ . Therefore, antiviral drugs and drugs that relieve symptoms are used for treatment. ⁹ .

Despite the absence of fever, it is important to start taking antiviral drugs at the first symptoms of SARS. These drugs will help eliminate the cause of the disease and speed up recovery. One of the examples of modern antiviral drugs is Nobasit ^® Forte with the active ingredient enisamia iodide. ¹⁰
Nobasite ^® Forte reduces the acute clinical manifestations of viral intoxication and helps to reduce the duration of the disease. ¹⁰
Research on the basis of the Research Institute of Influenza. A.A. Smorodintseva showed that the use of enisamium iodide reduces the severity of ARVI manifestations (headache, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, etc.), and also reduces the duration of the disease by 24 hours. ¹¹

Medicines with antiviral effect ¹² :

● M2 channel blockers. Interfere with viral replication by damaging the viral protein in infected cells. However, these drugs are not always effective because most viruses have developed resistance to these drugs.

● Neuraminidase inhibitors. Block one of the main enzymes of the virus responsible for its replication (reproduction). The drug disrupts the ability of viruses to penetrate into healthy cells and stops the release of virions from infected ones.

● Hemagglutinin inhibitors. Hemagglutinin is a protein on the surface of the virus. Blocking it prevents the virus from entering the cells of the body, making infection impossible.

● Leukocyte interferons. Preformed antiviral proteins that act like natural immune agents but become ineffective with long-term use and may cause side effects.

● Interferon inductors. Stimulate the production of its own interferon in the body, enhancing immunity and reducing effectiveness with prolonged use;

Antibacterial therapy is connected only if the bacterial nature of the disease is proven or a bacterial infection has joined the viral infection.

Signs of a bacterial infection:

● procalcitonin index above 0.5 ng/ml;

● more than 10*109 leukocytesU/l;

● Pus in sputum or nasal mucus.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are also prescribed if tests have not been performed, but symptoms increase or persist on days 5-7.

For a runny nose, topical moisturizers are used. These include saline solutions – isotonic if the nose is running, or hypertonic – more salty when the nose is blocked. You can also rinse the nose with warm isotonic sodium chloride solution. This helps to wash pathogens from the nasal mucosa, moisturize the nasal mucosa and remove excess mucus.

To relieve symptoms, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, i.e. NSAIDs ¹³ , can be used. They are used for colds without fever as a remedy for pain, inflammation and swelling ¹⁴ .

Preventive measures

The best prevention is to prevent the pathogen from entering the body ¹⁵ :

● wash hands with soap;

● use disposable wipes when sneezing and coughing;

● Use disposable medical masks and respirators in places where there are a lot of people;

● irrigate the nasal mucosa with an isotonic sodium chloride solution;

● Clean objects and surfaces used by a sick or potentially infectious person with disinfectants ¹⁶ .

Additional prevention of the common cold is the use of immunomodulatory drugs during the period of rising incidence, that is, from October to March ¹⁷ . Only substances that act as interferon inducers are suitable for this. Their effectiveness does not decrease with long-term use, unlike leukocyte interferons.

Briefly about the main

➢ A cold can occur without fever – it depends on the immune response. Even the temperature will not rise if the patient is already taking drugs that reduce the temperature – antibiotics, NSAIDs and others.

➢ A cold without fever is dangerous, because it is easy to miss the worsening of the condition.

➢ It is best to see a doctor if symptoms get worse or do not go away after 10 days, or if you are at high risk of cold and flu complications.

➢ A cold without fever is treated with symptomatic agents and antiviral drugs. Antibiotics are connected only with the specified bacterial nature of the disease or the addition of a bacterial infection.

➢ To prevent the disease, you must follow the rules of personal hygiene, use disposable masks and respirators, disinfect objects and surfaces that a potentially sick person has touched, and irrigate the nasal mucosa with isotonic sodium chloride solution.

¹ Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19): Interim guidelines.

² Infectious diseases: National guidelines / Ed. N.D. Yushchuk, Yu.Ya. Vengerov. M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2009.

³ https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/home/infections/respiratory-viruses/common-cold

⁴ Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)): Temporary guidelines.

⁵ https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/home/infections/respiratory-viruses/common-cold

⁶ Salivonchik E. I., Salivonchik D.P. Modern aspects of the treatment of acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract during COVID-19 “Otorhinolaryngology. Eastern Europe” 2021;1(11):93-106.

⁷ https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/

⁸ Salivonchik E.I., Salivonchik D.P. Modern aspects of the treatment of acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract during COVID-19 “Otorhinolaryngology. Eastern Europe” 2021;1(11):93-106.

⁹ Fashner J, Ericson K, Werner S. Treatment of the common cold in children and adults. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Jul 15;86(2):153-9.

¹⁰ Instructions for medical use of the drug Nobasit ^® Forte LP-006416

¹¹ Lioznov D.A., Karnaukhova E.Yu., Zubkova T.G., Shakhlanskaya E.V., Evaluation of the effectiveness of the ARVI treatment regimen, including etiotropic (enisamia iodide) and symptomatic therapy // Therapeutic archive No.