1 of 5
The common cold is a viral infection that can be spread by direct contact with someone who has a cold. It can also be transferred from one person to another by way of tiny air droplets released through a sneeze, cough, or by someone blowing their nose. Cold viruses can live on surfaces for several hours, too; you can become ill by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Typical symptoms of a cold include runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and headache. Symptoms usually last for three to seven days, up to two weeks.
The good news is that keeping up on your overall hygiene, including washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each time, can help prevent the spread of germs. So can wearing a medical mask over your mouth and nose, much as you would to help prevent COVID.
Although there is no proven cure for a cold, there are ways to get some relief. Here are four remedies that may help.
Sources: MedlinePlus. “Common Cold.” May 25, 2021... + 8
- MedlinePlus. “Common Cold.” May 25, 2021. Accessed June 2, 2021.
- UpToDate.com. “Patient education: The common cold in adults (Beyond the Basics).” May 24, 2021. Accessed June 2, 2021.
- MedlinePlus. “Germs and Hygiene.” April 6, 2020. Accessed June 2, 2021.
- Mayo Clinic. “Humidifiers: Air moisture eases skin, breathing symptoms.” January 14, 2021. Accessed June 2, 2021.
- Mayo Clinic. “Sore Throat.” July 21, 2020. Accessed June 2, 2021.
- UpToDate.com. “Patient education: Sore throat in adults (Beyond the Basics).” May 2021. Accessed June 2, 2021.
- Mayo Clinic. “Cold remedies: What works, what doesn’t, what can’t hurt.” June 27, 2020. Accessed June 2, 2021.
- Medscape. “How long can rhinoviruses survive on skin and inanimate surfaces?” September 11, 2020. Accessed September 15, 2021.
- University of Washington Health. “The Common Cold and Your Child.” September 18, 2019. Accessed September 15, 2021.
