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Common cold - Management
What self-care advice should I give to someone with the common cold?

  • Reassure the person or parent that although symptoms are unpleasant, the common cold is benign and complications are rare.
    • The natural history of the common cold is one of rapid onset, with symptoms peaking after 3–5 days.
    • Most symptoms resolve completely after 7–14 days, although a mild cough may persist for longer.
  • Explain that comfort measures and rest are the most appropriate management. Inform all people that:
    • Antibiotics are ineffective and cause adverse effects. They also increase the risk of bacterial resistance in the community, which may affect treatment of other diseases.
    • Adequate fluid should be taken during the course of the illness to compensate for excess water lost through fever (sweating) and mucous secretion (e.g. rhinorrhoea). However, excessive consumption of fluids should not be encouraged, as it can lead to hyponatraemia. Otherwise healthy adults should use thirst as a guide to when to drink fluids.
    • Nutritious food is recommended, but no specific diet is necessary. Reassure parents that it is common for children to lose their appetite for a few days when they have a cold, but this is not a serious concern, and children with colds should eat only when they are hungry.
    • Adequate rest is advised, but there is no recommendation on when a person should stay off work or school. In general, people should use how they feel as an indicator of how active they should remain. Normal activity will not prolong illness.
  • Advise that the following remedies may help to relieve symptoms in some people:
    • Steam inhalation may help to relieve congestion. However, care should be taken to avoid scalding. Sitting in the bathroom with a running hot shower is a safe option.
    • Vapour rubs may soothe respiratory symptoms in infants and small children when applied to the chest and back (avoid application to the nostril area for safety reasons).
    • Gargling with salt water or sucking menthol sweets may help to relieve sore throat or nasal congestion.
    • Nasal saline drops may help relieve nasal congestion. One or 2 drops applied to the nostrils of infants has been reported to help feeding. Sterile sodium chloride 0.9% nasal drops are available on prescription or over the counter.

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