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Managing symptoms of viral upper respiratory illness

Colds and flus are both caused by viruses. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, general aches, muscle pains, fatigue, weakness, exhaustion, chest discomfort, cough and sinus pressure.

Overview

  • Colds and flus are both caused by viruses. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, general aches, muscle pains, fatigue, weakness, exhaustion, chest discomfort, cough and sinus pressure. The flu is caused by a specific virus called influenza, which is more common during the winter months and typically makes you feel more miserable than a cold.

  • Cold symptoms can last up to two weeks, and the cough typically lasts longer. The average duration of a viral cough is 18 days.

  • The flu shot can help to prevent the flu and is encouraged every fall. There are many other cold viruses that a flu shot will not prevent.

  • Antibiotics are not effective for colds and flus; they do not help with symptoms or recovery. Antibiotics are only prescribed when necessary to treat a bacterial infection. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily greatly increases the chance of having side effects, which can be serious. Doctors do not have remedies to make colds go away faster. Your body's immune system is the only cure. We can help you with non-antibiotic/non-curative prescriptions in some cases when symptoms are severe or persistent.

When to be evaluated

The presence of persistent chills and high fevers beyond the first three days, feeling increasingly out of breath, or pain in face or teeth after two weeks of cold symptoms warrants an appointment to rule out pneumonia or other serious infections.

It is always best to come in and be evaluated if you have concerns that your illness is more serious.

Common symptoms of colds and flus

Over-the-counter (OTC) options for symptoms

We cannot cure your cold, however, there are remedies that may make your symptoms more tolerable. Treating symptoms at nighttime is especially important if your symptoms are keeping you up. If your sleep is disrupted, your immune system has a harder time fighting your illness. Rest is important for healing.

Other tips for getting better faster

  • Avoid combined cold and cough preparation (such as Tylenol Cold and Flu, Advil Cold and Sinus, Dayquil, etc.). These contain inadequate doses of some ingredients and contain phenylephrine instead of pseudoephedrine as a decongestant. You are better off taking appropriate doses of individual ingredients.

  • Know what works for you. Individual preference varies for cold and flu symptom treatment — it is not one size fits all.

  • Stay hydrated by sipping warm liquids, including broth or soup, or warm lemon water with honey, which can be soothing.