The common cold is caused by one of many viruses that enter the nose and multiply in the back of the throat. A typical cold starts with a sore throat, followed rapidly by nasal congestion, a possible low-grade fever, and, finally, coughing. The nasal discharge may start as clear mucus, but rapidly becomes thicker and colored over time.

The cold virus is killed by your immune system. Antibiotics are not effective in treating the common cold. Cold symptoms can last one to three weeks, sometimes longer. Treatment is limited to reducing symptoms until the cold resolves over time. Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections; the common cold is a viral infection. Therefore, antibiotics do not work on or cure the common cold.

Remember these important reasons for not taking antibiotics:

  • They just don’t help.
  • Beneficial bacteria are killed, leading to yeast infections and diarrhea.
  • Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. When you are sick with a bacterial infection, antibiotics may not be effective.
  • Antibiotics may cause side effects or allergic reactions (rash, vomiting, diarrhea).
  • Antibiotics can be expensive.

Treatment Recommendations

Following these basic guidelines can help ease your discomfort and speed your recovery.

  • Increase your fluid intake. Drinking more fluids will help you stay hydrated and better control your temperature.
  • Fluids such as water, sports drinks, and clear broth soups are generally well tolerated.
  • Get plenty of rest. Stay in bed and rest as much as possible.
  • Wash your hands frequently. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers after coughing, sneezing, and wiping your nose to reduce the spread of the virus.
  • Humidify the air by using a cool-mist vaporizer, taking a steamy shower, hanging wet towels in the room, using steam inhalations (face bowl), or placing a warm, moist towel over your face.
  • Do not smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke.
  • For FEVER, CHILLS, AND BODY ACHES, use an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory) medication, like ibuprofen (generic Motrin or Advil) or naproxen (generic Aleve). The major side effect of NSAIDs is irritation of the stomach, occasionally leading to gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Stop the medication if you have stomach upset or pain. Consider taking acetaminophen (Tylenol), instead, for fever and pain if you have stomach upset. DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN.
  • For STUFFY NOSE AND CONGESTION, use a decongestant. The only effective oral over‑the‑counter decongestant currently available is pseudoephedrine. Although no prescription is required, you must request it from the pharmacist and show identification. Decongestants available off the shelf contain phenylephrine, which has not been shown to be effective. Oral decongestants may cause a rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, nervous stimulation, and restlessness, which may interfere with sleep. An alternative to oral medication is a decongestant nasal spray, oxymetazoline hydrochloride (generic for Afrin). This can rapidly relieve nasal obstruction. When the decongestant effect of the drug wears off, nasal obstruction rapidly returns. Therefore, this can be very effective, but limit use to three days (if used twice daily) or five to six nights (if only used at bedtime). Overuse by just a few days can result in "rebound" obstruction and mucosal damage.
  • For RUNNY NOSE, SNEEZING AND COUGH, try an antihistamine.
    • First‑generation antihistamines may provide modest relief of runny nose and sneezing associated with the common cold, but they commonly cause drowsiness and other side effects. Examples include brompheniramine (generic for DimeTapp), chlorpheniramine (generic for Chlor‑Trimeton), diphenhydramine (generic for Benadryl), and doxylamine (found in products such as NyQuil and Alka‑Seltzer Plus Night‑Time Cold Medicine).
    • Newer, less‑sedating antihistamines are generally not effective for treating cold symptoms, because the common cold is not primarily caused by histamine release. Examples include loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
  • For COUGH, you can try a cough suppressant. Cough suppressants are natural narcotics, like codeine, and synthetic narcotics, like dextromethorphan (DM). They act on the brain to depress the cough reflex center. Their effectiveness in patients with chronic cough has been demonstrated in controlled studies, but there is little published information on their effectiveness in coughs associated with colds. Cough suppressants can produce gastrointestinal discomfort but otherwise have few side effects. In normal healthy people with good cough reflexes, cough suppressants are safe. Drug interactions may occur with DM and certain antidepressants. If you are on an antidepressant, discuss this with your provider.
  • For SORE THROAT AND NASAL CONGESTION, consider using a saline rinse or throat lozenges.
    • Various nasal saline rinse kits are available commercially or you can make your own saline by mixing ½ teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of warm water in a clean container.
      • For the nose: Place the above mixture in a reusable sinus rinse bottle or draw up into a nasal bulb syringe. The most convenient way to perform a sinus rinse is in the shower or over a sink.
      • For the throat: Swish and spit the above mixture.
    • Keeping a throat lozenge, cough drop, or hard candy in your mouth will stimulate your saliva and help soothe your throat.

* Available over-the-counter at the Health Center pharmacy

Call the advice nurse at 814-898-6217 if any of the following happens:

  • Temperature over 102 degrees F persists
  • Severe headache
  • Increased facial swelling
  • Very large neck glands
  • Painful joints
  • Skin rash
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty swallowing own saliva
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Persistent greenish nasal discharge
  • Foul odor to breath

If nasal symptoms, facial pressure, and cough are no better or worse after one to two weeks, consider contacting the Health Center to be evaluated for possible bacterial complications of the cold.