How long lasts a cold

Here's what you need to know to correctly identify a cold and get the treatment you need. A typical cold will last only about 10 days. How do you know when to wait it out, and when to seek medical care, or try other treatments? We've all heard by now that colds have to run their course, but if you're looking to get rid of one, here some things you can do to improve symptoms…. Learn about the causes of a common cold.

Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies. Steam inhalers are used as personal saunas for skin care or supporting respiratory health. We created a list of steam inhalers to suit your needs. You may have heard that you can sweat out a cold, but is this an effective remedy? Learn more here. Typically, postnasal drip can be alleviated at home.

Try these remedies and OTC products to relieve your symptoms. Salt water gargles are touted as an effective and easy home remedy for a sore throat. We explain why, plus additional benefits. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M. How long does a cold last in adults?

How long does a cold last in children? How to treat a cold. Over-the-counter pain relievers. Other OTC medications. At-home care and remedies. How to prevent a cold from spreading to others. What can you do to prevent a cold? As the CDC note, not only will the antibiotics not help treat viral infections, they may even cause harm in both children and adults by making it harder for the body to fight off future bacterial infections.

However, cold symptoms can be annoying and disruptive. There are many simple ways to manage these symptoms as the body clears up the underlying infection, including:. Drinking plenty of fluids: Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to help keep the cells healthy and flush out toxins. Resting: Getting lots of rest can help the body focus on fighting off the infection. Taking over-the-counter OTC cold medications: Many OTC medications can help relieve specific symptoms of a cold, such as a stuffy or runny nose.

Always follow the directions and speak to a doctor before giving children OTC medications. Taking pain relievers: OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen Advil and acetaminophen Tylenol , may help reduce some symptoms. Drinking warm liquids: Sipping warm liquids, such as herbal teas or soup, may help soothe a scratchy, sore throat. It may also help break up mucus and ease congestion. Gargling salt water: Gargling warm salt water may also help relieve the itching and pain of a sore throat.

Avoid asking young children to try this, as they may not be able to gargle. Using a humidifier: A vaporizer or humidifier can add moisture to the air, helping relieve congestion and making it easier to cough up mucus. The cold is very common. Although it is hard to prevent, it should not last very long either.

Most colds will clear up in 7—10 days, with only mild lingering symptoms for a few days afterward. Helping the body fight off the cold is the best solution in most cases. Taking certain OTC drugs or trying home remedies may help a person manage their symptoms. Depending on whether a person feels nauseous or has a cold or fever, the best foods to eat vary.

In this article, we describe recommended diets for…. Despite the association between cold weather and getting sick, it is viruses that cause colds and the flu. However, colder temperatures may increase a…. It is not always possible to avoid getting sick. However, a person can take some steps to reduce the chances of catching a cold or the flu.

The symptoms of a sinus infection are very similar to those caused by a cold, but if symptoms continue for some time, medical help may be needed…. Taking a Z pack for a cold will have no effect. This is because a Z pack is a type of antibiotic that works for bacterial infections, not viral…. How long does it take a cold to go away?

Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R. Here are some home remedies to treat a cold without medicine:. Here are some of the most common cold medicines that work best for treating colds:. Even though most common colds will resolve on their own, they sometimes require medical attention. We are here to help, even if sometimes the help is just advice not everything needs a prescription. If you have a cold plus an underlying medical condition, it may also be a good idea to see your primary care provider.

In rare circumstances, cold viruses can lead to secondary upper respiratory infections like sinus or middle ear infections. A cold accompanied by sinus pain, swollen glands, or a mucus-producing cough could indicate a secondary infection that requires medical attention. If you have shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of appetite, a cough, or a fever, it may be a good idea to contact your healthcare provider and get tested for coronavirus.

Avoiding close contact with sick people, wearing a mask, and using hand sanitizer are good ways to reduce your chances of getting a cold virus or COVID Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug.