Cough, Cold and Flu Medicine

Q&A: Cough, Cold & Flu

• How long is a cold contagious?

  A person is most contagious during the first two to three days after cold symptoms begin. In general, a cold is no longer contagious after the first week.

• How can you prevent a cold?

  While it's not possible to completely prevent colds, you can take a few precautions to lower your risk of catching one. Wash your hands often using water and soap. Scrub for at least 20 seconds to rid your hands of germs. Try to avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes, especially if your hands are not freshly washed. If you know someone has a cold, do your best to avoid close contact, and be cautious in public areas.

• How to stop a cold?

  There is no scientifically proven way to stop a cold once it starts.

• How to cure a cold?

  Colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria, so antibiotics are not effective. At this time, there is no prescription or over-the-counter medication available to cure a cold.

• What can pregnant women take for a cold?

  Generally, pregnant women can take acetaminophen to reduce fevers and ease headaches related to colds. Some cough drops and lozenges are considered safe for soothing a sore throat, and over-the-counter liquid dextromethorphan may be recommended for a cough. Saline nasal rinses and sprays are also considered safe during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and have a cold, you should always check with your healthcare provider before using any over-the-counter medicine or natural remedy to address your symptoms.

• What is a head cold?

  A "head cold" is a term some people use to describe symptoms of a cold that are more focused around the head.

• How do you catch a cold?

  You can catch a cold by breathing in or touching something contaminated with a sick person's saliva droplets, and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• How long does a cold last?

  Most people recover from the common cold within seven to 10 days. Some people may develop complications from colds, such as pneumonia, especially older adults, those with weaker immune systems and asthma or respiratory problems.

• Can you have a fever with a cold?

  You can have a low-grade fever with a cold, although this is uncommon for most adults. Adults with fevers over 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit and children with a rising fever or a fever that lasts more than two days should seek medical attention. If a child under 12 weeks of age has a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or more, you should contact his or her pediatrician.

• How to get rid of a cold?

  Colds can't be treated with antibiotics because they are caused by viruses. Viruses don't respond to antibiotics. This means you must wait for the illness to run its course. You can help your recovery by getting lots of rest and drinking plenty of fluids, and you can use over-the-counter medications to address symptoms in the meantime.

• How to shorten a cold?

  In the past, people have used many natural remedies to try and shorten the duration of colds. Today, some scientists believe zinc lozenges and the herb echinacea may have the ability to decrease recovery time. However, research on their effectiveness is conflicting. Vitamin C is another traditional remedy for colds. Despite its long history of use for this purpose, most studies show that Vitamin C does not have an effect on the length of colds.

• What to take for a cold?

  There are a number of over-the-counter medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for addressing cold symptoms. Pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be taken for fevers and headaches. Nasal decongestant sprays , like oxymetazoline and phenylephrine, and oral decongestants, like pseudoephedrine, can ease stuffy nose symptoms. Guaifenesin can loosen mucus, while Dextromethorphan can help suppress the urge to cough. Always read the label and use medications as directed. Talk to your doctor before giving your child an over-the-counter cold medication since some medicines contain ingredients that aren't recommended for children.

• What are the symptoms of a cold?

  The symptoms of a cold can vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms of a cold include a runny or stuffy nose, congestion, sore throat, cough, body aches and headaches, and a low-grade fever. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks, and most people recover from a cold on their own during this time. Consult with your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not get better after a few weeks, if they become severe, or if you experience a fever greater than 101.3 Fahrenheit for more than three days. For infants under 12 weeks who have a cold, consult your child’s healthcare provider if they have a fever of 100.4 Fahrenheit or other worrying symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, ear pain, and lack of appetite.

• What are the symptoms of the flu?

  Influenza (the flu) can cause symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches and fatigue, and headaches. It can also cause a fever, although not everyone with the flu gets a fever. Some people experience vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children than in adults. The flu can lead to more serious complications for certain people, include young children under 5, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, and older adults over age 65. These complications can include sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, and inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissue. Speak with a healthcare provider if you or your child is at high risk for complications from the flu.

• How long does the flu last?

  Most people will recover on their own from the flu within a few days to two weeks. A dry cough may linger for a bit longer after recovering from the flu. However, some people may develop complications from the flu that can last longer and lead to serious health risks. These may include sinus infections, ear infections, pneumonia, and inflammation of certain organs and body parts. If you are at high risk for flu complications or if your symptoms do not improve after a couple weeks, speak with a healthcare provider.

• How long is the flu contagious?

  The flu can be contagious even before symptoms appear, but people with the flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after developing symptoms. Some people can transmit the flu up to one day before their own symptoms appear, and up to five to seven days after they begin to feel ill. The time that people are contagious can vary, and may be longer in children and in people with weaker immune systems.

• What medicine to take for the flu

  Most people will recover from the flu on their own, but there are medicines called antiviral drugs that can help treat the flu. Antiviral drugs may be especially useful in children and people at risk of serious complications from the flu. This treatment is most effective when it is started within about two days of symptoms beginning, and can help improve symptoms, lessen fever, and reduce the risk of complications when used correctly. Antiviral drugs are only available by prescription, so it’s important to contact your healthcare provider right away if you suspect you or your child has the flu and you are interested in antiviral drug treatment.

• How to shorten a cold

  Most people with a cold can expect to be sick for about a week or two. Some remedies may help people feel better while their body works to recover. Staying hydrated by consuming plenty of liquids, resting, and using over-the-counter treatments such as nasal decongestions or throat lozenges to soothe symptoms can be helpful. There is some limited evidence that suggests taking vitamin C or zinc before symptoms begin can shorten the duration of symptoms. However, more research is needed to determine how effective these substances are for reducing the length of a cold.