Cold is a common viral infection, what are its symptoms?

Will the antibiotic treat it?

And when should you visit the doctor?

What is a cold?

Cold is a general description of a drop in temperature. In winter, the air temperature drops, and this affects a person’s body and health.

What is the difference between a cold and a common cold?

A cold is a decrease in temperature, as mentioned earlier, while a common cold means a common cold, which is a viral infection that affects the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract).

According to the Mayo Clinic, many types of viruses can cause the common cold.

Healthy adults can expect to get 2 or 3 colds each year, and infants and young children may have more frequent colds.

Most people recover from a cold within a week or 10 days, and symptoms may last longer in smokers.

In general, you don't need medical attention for a cold.

However, if your symptoms do not improve, see your doctor, as well as if they get worse.

What are the symptoms of a cold in the body?

According to the US National Library's MedlinePlus database, symptoms of the common cold usually include:

  • sneeze

  • stuffy nose (congestion)

  • Runny nose

  • Sore throat

  • Cough

  • Headache

Symptoms usually start a few days after you contract the virus, and some symptoms can last 10-14 days.

What is the best antibiotic for a cold?

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no cure for the common cold, and the patient will get better on his own without antibiotics.

Antibiotics will not help you get better if you have a cold.

When antibiotics aren't needed, they won't help you, and their side effects can still cause harm.

When does the cold come out of the body?

Most people recover from a common cold within a week or 10 days.

What is the best treatment for a cold?

Here are some ways you can feel better while your body fights off the common cold:

  • Get plenty of rest.

  • Drink plenty of fluids.

  • Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.

  • Using saline nasal drops or sprays.

  • Inhalation of steam from a bowl of hot water or a shower.

  • Use honey for cough relief for adults and children at least 1 year of age or older.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medications that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medications as directed.

Remember that over-the-counter medications may provide temporary relief from your symptoms, but they won't cure your illness, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


What drinks treat cold?

There is no cure for the common cold, but drinks may help, such as:

1- Water

Water is the best liquid to drink when you have a cold because it helps lubricate the mucous membranes of the throat.

2- Hot drinks

Hot drinks are also a good choice because the hot steam they produce can help relieve congestion.

3- herbal tea

4- Honey and lemon tea

5- Ginger tea

6- Milk and dairy products

When does a cold require consulting a doctor or going to the hospital?

Most people with a cold feel better after a week or two.

However, some people with a cold may develop other illnesses, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

This is more common in people who have a weakened immune system or complain of asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Call the doctor if you or your child has symptoms that worry you, such as:

  • Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing

  • Drought

  • Fever that lasts more than 4 days

  • Symptoms persist for more than 10 days without improvement

  • Symptoms improve, such as fever or cough, but come back or get worse

  • Exacerbation of chronic medical conditions

Cold prevention

There is no vaccine to protect against the common cold, but you may be able to reduce your risk of catching or spreading a cold by:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

  • Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Avoid close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils with others if you are sick.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

  • Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue and wash your hands.

  • Stay home when sick.

the duration of the common cold;

The common cold lasts anywhere from 7 to 10 days, but it can last up to 2 weeks.

Depending on your general health, you may experience symptoms for a longer or lesser period.

For example, people who smoke or complain of asthma may experience symptoms that last longer, according to a report in Healthline.