You have a viral upper respiratory illness (URI), which is another term for the common cold. This viral illness is contagious during the first few days. It spreads through the air by the sick person coughing and sneezing. It may also spread by direct contact (touching the sick person and then touching your own eyes, nose, or mouth). Frequent handwashing will lower the risk of spread. Most viral illnesses end within 7 to 10 days with rest and simple home remedies. Sometimes, the illness may last for several weeks. Antibiotics will not kill a virus, and they are generally not prescribed for this condition.
Home care
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If symptoms are severe, rest at home for the first 2 to 3 days or as advised. When you resume activity, don't let yourself get too tired.
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Don't smoke. If you do smoke and need help quitting, talk with your health care provider.
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Avoid secondhand smoke.
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You may use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to control pain and fever unless another medicine was prescribed. If you have chronic liver or kidney disease, talk with your provider before taking these medicines. Also, talk with your provider if you've had a stomach ulcer or digestive bleeding, or if you take blood-thinning medicines. Never give aspirin to anyone under 18 years of age who is ill with a viral infection or fever. It may cause severe liver or brain damage, or even death.
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Your appetite may be poor, so a light diet is okay. Stay well hydrated by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of fluids per day (water, soft drinks, juices, tea, or soup). Extra fluids will help loosen secretions in the nose and lungs.
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Over-the-counter cold medicines will not help you to recover quickly. But they may be helpful for cough, sore throat, and nasal and sinus congestion. If you take prescription medicines, ask your provider or pharmacist which over-the-counter medicines are safe to use. If you have high blood pressure, don't use decongestants without first talking with your provider.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your health care provider, or as advised.
When to seek medical advice
Contact your health care provider right away if any of these occur:
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Cough with lots of colored sputum (mucus)
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Severe headache; face, neck, or ear pain
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Difficulty swallowing due to throat pain
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher , or as directed by your provider
Call 911
Call
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Chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
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Coughing up blood
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Very severe pain with swallowing, especially if it goes along with a muffled voice
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Feeling of doom
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Feeling dizzy, faint, or confused
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Lips or skin is blue, purple, or gray in color
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Prolonged fever of 102°F (38.8°C) or higher
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Symptoms that get worse or last longer than 10 days
