What is a cold and how long does it last?
A cold is a viral infection that mainly affects the nose and throat, but can also progress to middle ear infection or sinusitis — which, like the common cold, do not require immediate antibiotic treatment. Symptoms develop gradually over 2–3 days: a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, general tiredness. A mild temperature may also occur.
Most adults recover within 1–2 weeks. Common cold and flu symptoms are similar, but flu typically comes on rapidly, is more intense and affects general wellbeing more than the common cold.
What to do
- Rest as much as possible. If you feel too unwell for everyday activities, stay home.
- Drink plenty of fluids (water, herbal teas) to avoid dehydration.
- For fever and pain, paracetamol or ibuprofen is suitable. Follow the package instructions. Do not combine with cough and cold medicines that contain the same active ingredients, which are ineffective and not worth buying from the pharmacy.
- Decongestant nasal sprays are available from the pharmacy for a blocked nose (not recommended for children under 6). It is not advisable to use them for more than 3–5 days, to avoid worsening the situation.
Antibiotics are not indicated for a cold, as the common cold is caused by a virus, not a bacterium.
Based on research, vitamin C, echinacea and garlic have not proven beneficial in preventing colds or speeding recovery.
What to avoid
- Do not give aspirin to children under 16.
- Do not smoke — it worsens symptoms.
- Do not use nasal sprays for more than one week.
- Widely available "cough and cold remedies" in pharmacies are generally of no significant benefit to recovery, but can cause side effects, especially in children — which is why we do not recommend obtaining them casually, let alone using them.
Stopping the spread
- Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap.
- Use a tissue when sneezing or coughing; dispose of it immediately.
- Do not share towels or household items (cups, toys).
When to contact us
Contact us if any of the following apply:
- Fever (temperature >38°C) lasts more than 3 days.
- Symptoms get worse or do not improve within 10 days.
- Cough lasts more than 3 weeks.
- You have a chronic condition (e.g. diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease).
- Your immune system is weakened (e.g. during chemotherapy).
- You are concerned about a child's health.
When to call 1220 or 112
See also: Where to seek help — full guide to choosing the right channel.
- You feel seriously unwell but the situation does not seem life-threatening.
- You need advice on whether and where to seek help.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Severe chest pain.
- Loss of consciousness.
Sources
NHS.uk — Common cold. Page last reviewed: 22 March 2024.
Contains adapted NHS.uk material under Open Government Licence v3.0. Original material: © Crown copyright.