How long colds last

Follow up with your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms:. In adults, the common cold typically clears up in about 7 to 10 days.

Children may take slightly longer to recover — up to 14 days. Instead, treatment focuses on symptom relief. You can do this by drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough rest, and taking OTC medications where appropriate. The common cold and the flu may seem very similar at first. Here's what you need to know to correctly identify a cold and get the treatment you need.

A typical cold will last only about 10 days. How do you know when to wait it out, and when to seek medical care, or try other treatments? We've all heard by now that colds have to run their course, but if you're looking to get rid of one, here some things you can do to improve symptoms…. Learn about the causes of a common cold. Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies.

Steam inhalers are used as personal saunas for skin care or supporting respiratory health. We created a list of steam inhalers to suit your needs. You may have heard that you can sweat out a cold, but is this an effective remedy? Learn more here. Typically, postnasal drip can be alleviated at home. Try these remedies and OTC products to relieve your symptoms. Depending on whether a person feels nauseous or has a cold or fever, the best foods to eat vary.

In this article, we describe recommended diets for…. Despite the association between cold weather and getting sick, it is viruses that cause colds and the flu. However, colder temperatures may increase a…. It is not always possible to avoid getting sick. However, a person can take some steps to reduce the chances of catching a cold or the flu.

The symptoms of a sinus infection are very similar to those caused by a cold, but if symptoms continue for some time, medical help may be needed…. Taking a Z pack for a cold will have no effect. This is because a Z pack is a type of antibiotic that works for bacterial infections, not viral…. How long does it take a cold to go away? Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R.

Adults Children How long is it contagious? Frequency When to see a doctor Treatment and home remedies Summary The cold is a common type of viral infection in the upper airways. How long does a cold last in adults? Share on Pinterest The common cold typically lasts about 7—10 days. How long does a cold last in children? How long is a cold contagious? Share on Pinterest A person is usually most contagious on the day before symptoms start and for the first 5 days of being sick.

When to see a doctor. Treatment and home remedies. Share on Pinterest Drinking plenty of fluids helps to manage the symptoms of a cold. Children aged 6 to 12 should take them for no longer than 5 days. Be careful not to use cough and cold medicines if you're taking paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets.

Cough and cold medicines often also contain paracetamol and ibuprofen so it can be easy to take more than the recommended dose.

There's little evidence that supplements such as vitamin C, echinacea or garlic prevent colds or speed up recovery. Call a pharmacy or contact them online before going in person.

You can get medicines delivered or ask someone to collect them. GPs do not recommend antibiotics for colds because they will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.

Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, and colds are caused by viruses. A cold virus enters your body through your mouth, eyes or nose , usually when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes, or talks the virus can spread through droplets in the air.

You can also catch a cold by touching contaminated objects and surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The symptoms of the common cold typically begin two to three days after being infected, and the symptoms can last anywhere from two to 10 days. It can be hard to tell the difference between the common cold and flu. These two illnesses have similar symptoms and are both respiratory viral infections.

However, they are caused by very different viruses. With the flu, you can expect to be faced with a fever, chills, and aching muscles and joints. Colds, on the other hand, are usually associated with a sore throat and runny nose. And your doctor is correct. To date, there are no antiviral medications that can fight the viruses that cause the common cold.

Also, you cannot use antibiotics as common cold treatment as these are only used to treat infections caused by bacteria—and as we know, the common cold comes from a virus. You can try home remedies to treat your symptoms. You can also go to your local pharmacy or grocery store and look for over-the-counter medications that relieve cold symptoms. Non-prescription medicine can help ease your cold symptoms. Although Vicks products cannot cure the common cold, they can help you feel better.

Many over-the-counter cold medicines treat multiple symptoms. Make sure to identify what other symptoms you may be experiencing with your cold, so you can get the relief you need. For relief of cold symptoms like nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, and more, dissolve a packet of FluTherapy into a glass of 8 oz.

Stir and sip while hot.