Symptoms are the body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Your symptoms may look like those of other medical conditions. You should talk to your doctor for a diagnosis and proper treatment.
Colds are usually caused by viruses, most often rhinoviruses. They occur most often in the fall and winter. Colds are more common in children because their immune systems haven’t had time to learn to recognize and fight new germs. They also have close contact with other children at school and day care.
Systemic (general) symptoms, such as fever, headache, fatigue and malaise, develop quickly when the virus is detected by your immune cells. Local symptoms, such as nasal congestion and rhinorrhoea, develop slower, but they will usually last for 7 to 10 days.
The most important thing you can do to help your body get over a cold is to get plenty of rest. Drink fluids, especially warm liquids such as chicken soup, tea and lemon water with honey. Avoid drinks with caffeine, which can make dehydration worse.
You can also try over-the-counter medications to reduce your symptoms, such as decongestants, antihistamines and pain relievers. If your symptoms don’t improve or if they become severe, you should see your doctor or go to an urgent care center near you for a checkup. They can run tests to find the cause of your illness and prescribe appropriate treatment. They can also give you a prescription for antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
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