What are the common symptoms of a cold. How can you effectively treat a cold at home. When should you seek medical attention for cold symptoms. What are the best ways to prevent catching and spreading colds.

Recognizing the Symptoms of the Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infection that affects millions of people each year. Identifying its symptoms is crucial for proper management and treatment. Here are the typical signs of a cold:

• Fever (usually 100°F [37.7°C] or higher) and chills
• Headache, sore muscles, and fatigue
• Cough
• Nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing
• Sore throat
• Yellow or green mucus

It’s important to note that mild symptoms of COVID-19 may resemble those of the common cold. If you’re at risk for COVID-19 or are unsure about your symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider.

Effective Home Remedies for Cold Relief

While there’s no cure for the common cold, several home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery:

1. Rest and hydration: Ensure you get plenty of sleep and drink ample fluids to support your immune system.
2. Over-the-counter medications: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever and relieve muscle aches.
3. Nasal decongestants: These can help relieve stuffiness, but should be used as directed.
4. Throat lozenges or sprays: These can soothe a sore throat and provide temporary relief.
5. Humidifiers: Adding moisture to the air can help ease congestion and coughing.

How long does a cold typically last? Most colds improve within 3 to 4 days, although some symptoms may persist for up to 10 days.

The Role of Over-the-Counter Medications in Cold Treatment

Over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines can be effective in managing cold symptoms, but it’s essential to use them correctly:

• Always read labels carefully and follow dosage instructions.
• Avoid using multiple products that contain the same active ingredients to prevent overdosing.
• OTC cold medicines are not recommended for children under 4 years old.
• Consult with a healthcare provider before giving OTC cold medicine to children, as they can have serious side effects.

Should you suppress a cough during a cold? Coughing is your body’s way of clearing mucus from the lungs. Only use cough suppressants when the cough becomes too painful or disruptive to sleep.

Cautions and Considerations for OTC Cold Medications

While OTC medications can provide relief, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and interactions:

• If you take prescription medicines for other health conditions, consult your healthcare provider about which OTC cold medicines are safe for you.
• Be cautious when combining different OTC products to avoid exceeding recommended doses of active ingredients.
• Some cold medicines can cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery when using these products.

Natural and Alternative Remedies for Cold Symptoms

Many people turn to natural remedies to complement traditional cold treatments. Some popular options include:

• Vitamin C supplements
• Zinc lozenges or supplements
• Echinacea
• Honey (especially for soothing sore throats and coughs)
• Garlic
• Ginger tea

Are natural remedies effective for treating colds? While scientific evidence is mixed, many people find these remedies helpful. However, it’s important to note that natural doesn’t always mean safe. Some herbs and supplements can interact with medications or cause side effects. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying new remedies, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Preventing the Spread of Colds: Hygiene and Lifestyle Practices

Preventing colds is often easier than treating them. Here are some effective strategies to reduce your risk of catching or spreading a cold:

1. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
2. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water aren’t available.
3. Avoid touching your face, especially your nose, mouth, and eyes.
4. Stay home when you’re sick to prevent spreading the virus to others.
5. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or use the crook of your elbow.
6. Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
7. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to support your immune system.

How effective is hand washing in preventing colds? Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of cold viruses. It can significantly reduce your risk of catching a cold or passing it on to others.

The Importance of Proper Hand Washing Technique

To maximize the effectiveness of hand washing, follow these steps:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold).
2. Apply soap and lather well, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds.
4. Rinse thoroughly under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Cold Symptoms

While most colds can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Sudden chest pain or abdominal pain
• Severe dizziness or confusion
• Persistent vomiting
• High fever (above 103°F or 39.4°C) that doesn’t respond to fever-reducing medications
• Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve after 7 to 10 days

When should you call your doctor for cold symptoms? Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe, persist beyond 10 days, or if you have underlying health conditions that may complicate your recovery.

Cold Complications: Recognizing and Addressing Secondary Infections

While most colds resolve on their own, they can sometimes lead to secondary infections. Be aware of the following potential complications:

• Sinusitis: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses
• Ear infections: Particularly common in children
• Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes
• Pneumonia: A more serious lung infection

How can you tell if a cold has developed into a more serious condition? Watch for symptoms such as persistent high fever, severe headache, facial pain, or difficulty breathing. These may indicate a secondary infection requiring medical attention.

Differentiating Between Colds and Other Respiratory Infections

It’s important to distinguish between colds and other respiratory infections, as treatment approaches may differ:

• Flu (Influenza): Typically comes on more suddenly and causes more severe symptoms than a cold, often including high fever and body aches.
• COVID-19: Can cause similar symptoms to colds and flu, but may also include loss of taste or smell, and can lead to more severe complications.
• Allergies: Unlike colds, allergies don’t cause fever and typically involve itchy eyes and nose.

If you’re unsure about the nature of your symptoms, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and guidance.

Special Considerations for Cold Management in Children

Managing colds in children requires special care and attention. Here are some important points to consider:

• Avoid giving OTC cold medicines to children under 4 years old without medical advice.
• Use saline drops and nasal aspirators to help clear nasal congestion in infants and young children.
• Encourage plenty of rest and fluids.
• Monitor fever closely and use age-appropriate fever-reducing medications as needed.
• Create a comfortable sleeping environment with elevated head position to ease breathing.

How can you help a child with a stuffy nose sleep better? Elevating the head of the bed slightly, using a cool-mist humidifier, and clearing nasal passages before bedtime can help improve sleep quality for a child with a cold.

When to Seek Medical Care for a Child with a Cold

While most childhood colds resolve on their own, certain situations require medical attention:

• High fever (above 102°F or 38.9°C) that persists or worsens
• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days
• Severe ear pain or drainage from the ear
• Excessive sleepiness or irritability
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination or dry mouth

Always trust your instincts as a parent or caregiver. If you’re concerned about your child’s symptoms or overall condition, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician for advice.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Cold Susceptibility and Recovery

Your overall health and lifestyle can significantly influence your susceptibility to colds and your ability to recover quickly. Consider the following factors:

• Stress management: Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds.
• Sleep quality: Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system.
• Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports immune function.
• Exercise: Regular moderate exercise can boost immune function and reduce the risk of colds.
• Smoking: Tobacco use can impair respiratory function and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.

How does stress affect your likelihood of catching a cold? Chronic stress can suppress immune function, potentially increasing your vulnerability to viral infections like the common cold. Managing stress through techniques such as meditation, exercise, or counseling may help reduce your risk.

Boosting Your Immune System Naturally

While no single approach can guarantee immunity from colds, certain lifestyle choices can help strengthen your body’s natural defenses:

1. Maintain a healthy diet rich in immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc.
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
3. Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
4. Prioritize sleep, aiming for 7-9 hours per night for adults.
5. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
6. Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking.

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you may improve your overall health and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of colds.

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.

Browse the Encyclopedia

Colds

Is this your child’s symptom?

• Runny nose and sore throat caused by a virus
• You think your child has a cold. Reason: Other family members, friends or classmates have same symptoms.
• Also called an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

Symptoms of a Cold

• Runny or stuffy nose
• The nasal discharge starts clear but changes to gray. It can also be yellow or green.
• Most children have a fever at the start.
• A sore throat can be the first sign
• At times, the child may also have a cough and hoarse voice. Sometimes, watery eyes and swollen lymph nodes in the neck also occur.

Cause of Colds

• Colds are caused by many respiratory viruses. Healthy children get about 6 colds a year.
• Influenza virus causes a bad cold with more fever and muscle aches.
• Colds are not serious. With a cold, about 5 and 10% of children develop another health problem. Most often, this is an ear or sinus infection. These are caused by a bacteria.

Colds: Normal Viral Symptoms

• Colds can cause a runny nose, sore throat, hoarse voice, a cough or croup. They can also cause stuffiness of the nose, sinus or ear. Red watery eyes can also occur. Colds are the most common reason for calls to the doctor. This is because of all the symptoms that occur with colds.
• Cold symptoms are also the number one reason for office and ER visits. Hopefully, this information will save you time and money. It can help you to avoid some needless trips to the doctor. The cold symptoms listed below are normal. These children don’t need to be seen:
  • Fever up to 3 days (unless it goes above 104° F or 40° C)
  • Sore throat up to 5 days (with other cold symptoms)
  • Nasal discharge and congestion up to 2 weeks
  • Coughs up to 3 weeks

Colds: Symptoms of Secondary Bacterial Infections (other health problems)

Using this guide, you can decide if your child has developed another health problem. This happens in about 5 to 10% of children who have a cold. Many will have an ear infection or sinus infection. Look for these symptoms:

• Earache or ear discharge
• Sinus pain not relieved by nasal washes
• Lots of pus in the eyes (Eyelids stuck together after naps)
• Trouble breathing or rapid breathing (could have pneumonia)
• Fever lasts over 3 days
• Fever that goes away for 24 hours and then returns
• Sore throat lasts over 5 days (may have Strep throat)
• Nasal discharge lasts over 2 weeks
• Cough lasts over 3 weeks

Trouble Breathing: How to Tell

Trouble breathing is a reason to see a doctor right away. Respiratory distress is the medical name for trouble breathing. Here are symptoms to worry about:

• Struggling for each breath or shortness of breath
• Tight breathing so that your child can barely speak or cry
• Ribs are pulling in with each breath (called retractions)
• Breathing has become noisy (such as wheezes)
• Breathing is much faster than normal
• Lips or face turn a blue color

When to Call for Colds

Call 911 Now

• Severe trouble breathing (struggling for each breath, can barely speak or cry)
• You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Trouble breathing, but not severe. Exception: gone after cleaning out the nose.
• Wheezing (high-pitched purring or whistling sound when breathing out)
• Breathing is much faster than normal
• Trouble swallowing and new onset drooling
• High-risk child (such as cystic fibrosis or other chronic lung disease)
• Weak immune system. Examples are: sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids.
• Fever over 104° F (40° C)
• Fever in baby less than 12 weeks old. Caution: do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.
• Your child looks or acts very sick
• You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Age less than 6 months old
• Earache or ear drainage
• Yellow or green pus from eyes
• Sinus pain (not just congestion) around cheekbone or eyes
• Fever lasts more than 3 days
• Fever returns after being gone more than 24 hours
• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• Blocked nose wakes up from sleep
• Yellow scabs around the nasal openings. Use an antibiotic ointment.
• Sore throat lasts more than 5 days
• Sinus congestion and fullness lasts more than 14 days
• Nasal discharge lasts more than 2 weeks
• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

• Mild cold with no other problems

Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

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  Virtual Urgent Care
  
  
  

Care Advice for a Cold

1. What You Should Know About Colds:
   • It’s normal for healthy children to get at least 6 colds a year. This is because there are so many viruses that cause colds. With each new cold, your child’s body builds up immunity to that virus.
   • Most parents know when their child has a cold. Sometimes, they have it too or other children in school have it. Most often, you don’t need to call or see your child’s doctor. You do need to call your child’s doctor if your child develops a complication. Examples are an earache or if the symptoms last too long.
   • The normal cold lasts about 2 weeks. There are no drugs to make it go away sooner.
   • But, there are good ways to help many of the symptoms. With most colds, the starting symptom is a runny nose. This is followed in 3 or 4 days by a stuffy nose. The treatment for each symptom is different.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. For a Runny Nose with Lots of Discharge: Blow or Suction the Nose
   • The nasal mucus and discharge is washing germs out of the nose and sinuses.
   • Blowing the nose is all that’s needed. Teach your child how to blow the nose at age 2 or 3.
   • For younger children, gently suction the nose with a suction bulb.
   • Put petroleum jelly on the skin under the nose. Wash the skin first with warm water. This will help to protect the nostrils from any redness.
3. Nasal Saline to Open a Blocked Nose:
   • Use saline (salt water) nose spray to loosen up the dried mucus. If you don’t have saline, you can use a few drops of water. Use distilled water, bottled water or boiled tap water.
   • Step 1. Put 3 drops in each nostril. If under 1 year old, use 1 drop.
   • Step 2. Blow (or suction) each nostril out while closing off the other nostril. Then, do the other side.
   • Step 3. Repeat nose drops and blowing (or suctioning) until the discharge is clear.
   • How Often. Do nasal saline rinses when your child can’t breathe through the nose.
   • Limit. If under 1 year old, no more than 4 times per day or before every feeding.
   • Saline nose drops or spray can be bought in any drugstore. No prescription is needed.
   • Reason for nose drops: suction or blowing alone can’t remove dried or sticky mucus. Also, babies can’t nurse or drink from a bottle unless the nose is open.
   • Other option: use a warm shower to loosen mucus. Breathe in the moist air, then blow each nostril.
   • For young children, can also use a wet cotton swab to remove sticky mucus.
4. Fluids – Offer More:
   • Try to get your child to drink lots of fluids.
   • Goal: keep your child well hydrated.
   • It also will thin out the mucus discharge from the nose.
   • It also loosens up any phlegm in the lungs. Then it’s easier to cough up.
5. Humidifier:
   • If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier.
   • Reason: dry air makes nasal mucus thicker.
6. Medicines for Colds:
   • Cold Medicines. Don’t give any drugstore cold or cough medicines to young children. They are not approved by the FDA under 6 years. Reasons: not safe and can cause serious side effects. Also, they are not helpful. They can’t remove dried mucus from the nose. Nasal saline works best.
   • Allergy Medicines. They are not helpful, unless your child also has nasal allergies. They can also help an allergic cough.
   • No Antibiotics. Antibiotics are not helpful for colds. Antibiotics may be used if your child gets an ear or sinus infection.
7. Other Symptoms of Colds – Treatment:
   • Pain or Fever. Use acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) to treat muscle aches, sore throat or headaches. Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil). You can also use these medicines for fever above 102° F (39° C).
   • Sore Throat. If over 6 years of age, your child can also suck on hard candy. For children over 1 year old, sip warm chicken broth. Some children prefer cold foods, such as popsicles or ice cream.
   • Cough. For children over 1 year old, give honey ½ to 1 teaspoon (2 to 5 mL). Caution: do not use honey until 1 year old. If over 6 years of age, you can also use cough drops. Avoid cough drops before 6 years. Reason: risk of choking.
   • Red Eyes. Rinse eyelids often with wet cotton balls.
8. Return to School:
   • Your child can go back to school after the fever is gone. Your child should also feel well enough to join in normal activities.
   • For practical purposes, the spread of colds can’t be prevented.
9. What to Expect:
   • Fever can last 2-3 days
   • Nasal drainage can last 7-14 days
   • Cough can last 2-3 weeks
10. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Trouble breathing occurs
    • Earache occurs
    • Fever lasts more than 3 days or goes above 104° F (40° C)
    • Any fever if under 12 weeks old
    • Nasal discharge lasts more than 14 days
    • Cough lasts more than 3 weeks
    • You think your child needs to be seen
    • Your child becomes worse
11. Extra Advice – Air Travel with Colds:
    • It’s safe to fly when your child has a cold.
    • He could get some mild ear congestion or even a brief earache while flying. Most often, that can be prevented. (See # 12).
    • Flying will not cause an ear infection.
12. Extra Advice – Prevent Ear Congestion During Air Travel:
    • Most symptoms happen when the airplane is coming down in altitude. This is the descent of the plane during the 15 minutes before landing.
    • Keep your child awake during takeoff and descent.
    • Swallow during descent using fluids or a pacifier.
    • Children over age 4 can chew gum during descent.
    • Yawning during descent also can open the middle ear.
    • Drink lots of fluids throughout the flight. This will prevent the nasal secretions from drying out.

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 07/08/2023

Last Revised: 12/30/2022

Copyright 2000-2023. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

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

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.