Student Health Center

Common Cold

Owned by Pamela Paulmann
Last updated: Mar 07, 2024 by MaryAnne Cristodero
3 min read

The common cold is an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract most often caused by several different viruses. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of the common cold usually begin 2 to 3 days after infection and often include:

  • Runny or stuffed nose (including nasal discharge that might be thick, opaque, or discolored)
  • Sore or scratchy throat (often occurs early on, then fades)
  • Headaches 
  • Blocked/popping feeling in ears
  • Cough (often occurs 4-5 days into cold)
  • Postnasal drip
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased appetite
  • Muscle aches
  • Low grade fever

Cold symptoms typically lasts 3-7 days but it is not uncommon for some symptoms to persist up to 2 weeks. If symptoms occur often or last much longer than 2 weeks.

A cold is different than "the flu" which is caused by influenza virus and is associated with high fever and more severe symptoms.

Treatments 

Since most infections are viral (not bacterial), antibiotics won't make you better faster. Treatment is directed at the symptoms causing distress. 

Take Care of Yourself

Get plenty of rest (at least 8 hours of sleep daily - "baby yourself" with extra rest if possible) and drink lots of fluids (a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily is reasonable).

Over-the-counter cold medications are not curative, but may help your symptoms. 

  • Lozenges/cough drops/sore throat sprays
  • Humidifying the air: Steam in the form of hot showers, a vaporizer or humidifier in your room can help congestion symptoms.
  • Drinking plenty of liquids, such as water, Gatorade, or hot tea with honey can help soothe your throat
  • Eating soup and drinking hot liquids often eases nasal congestion by loosening secretions. 

For Nasal/Sinus Congestion & Post Nasal Drip ...

Daytime

  • Decongestant in tablet form such as pseudoephedrine (i.e., Sudafed, or generic equivalent products used per package directions). The pseudoephedrine must be requested at the pharmacy counter as it is kept "behind the counter" rather than out on the shelf. Don't take it near bedtime as some people are kept awake by it.

At Bedtime

  • An antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (i.e., Benadryl, ), can ease the congestion, especially mucus dripping down your throat and can help you sleep- it works well at night since it may cause drowsiness. 

Saline Nasal Spray or Saline Irrigation

  • When the normal clearance of mucus from the nasal passage toward the throat becomes obstructed.  Saline nasal sprays may help liquefy these secretions and decrease the risk of crusting in the sinus cavities, 

For Fever, Body Aches, Headache, Sore Throat …

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) regular strength 325 mg tabs - 2 tabs every 4-6 hours as needed for fever.
    OR
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) extra strength 500 mg tabs - 2 tabs every 6 hours as needed for fever.
    OR
  • Ibuprofen (i.e., Advil, Motrin) over the counter strength - 200 mg tabs - 2 tabs every 6 hours as needed with food for fever and body aches.
    OR as directed by your provider.

Do not take more than 4000 mg of acetaminophen daily or more than 2400 mg of ibuprofen daily.
Some over-the-counter cold products contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen in combination with other products, so be careful to read labels to avoid excessive doses. Similarly, read labels to make sure you know whether you are taking regular or extra strength acetaminophen, as this medicine is toxic at excessive doses.

It is advisable not to use Aspirin in young adults due to life threatening Reyes Syndrome


When to Seek Medical Attention

  • High or persistent fever >101
  • Severe or worsening headache
  • Stiff neck or painful swelling of neck glands
  • Chest pain
  • Wheezing or shortness of breath
  • Cold symptoms lasting more than two (2) weeks, which steadily worsen instead of improving
  • Painful swelling of neck glands
  • White patches on your throat or tonsils
  • Exacerbation of asthma symptoms
  • Unable to keep fluids down


Preventative Measures

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not nearby, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your elbow when you cough or sneeze
  • Clean things that are touched often
  • Stay away from people who are sick
  • If you get sick, limit contact with others to avoid infecting them
  • Get enough rest
  • Eat healthy
  • Exercise frequently to keep your immune system strong


Sources: American College Health Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


203-254-4000, ext. 2241 - health@fairfield.edu