Colds are infections of the nose and throat caused by viruses (types of germs). They can cause a stuffy or runny nose, cough, sore throat, and sometimes a mild fever. Antibiotics do not help treat colds since they work only against bacteria (a different type of germ).

Most people with a cold feel better within one to two weeks. There are things you can do to help with symptoms while your body fights the infection.

Rest:

• Get 8–10 hours of sleep at night.
• Take it easy during the day. You may need to stay home from school or skip sports practice for a day or two to let your body heal.
• Once you are feeling up to it and you have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine, you can slowly return to your usual activities.

Eating and Drinking:

• Drink plenty of liquids, such as water, herbal tea, warm broth, and electrolyte beverages. Staying hydrated helps loosen congestion and keeps your throat moist.
• You might not feel hungry but try to eat something. Warm foods like soup, toast, or oatmeal are easy on your stomach and help keep your energy up.

Treat your symptoms:

• Sore throat: Gargle with warm salt water (½ tsp salt in 8 ounces of water), try throat lozenges, or drink warm tea with honey.
• Stuffy nose: Use a saline nasal spray, take a steamy shower, or try a cool mist humidifier in your room.
• Fever, headache, or body aches: You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Follow the directions on the label for how much to take and how often. Don't take aspirin — it can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
• Cough: Honey (1–2 teaspoons) can soothe a cough. Cough drops help too.
• Soreness under the nose: Put petroleum jelly (Vaseline® or a store brand) on it.

Remember:

• Do not take cough or cold medicines or any supplements without checking with your healthcare provider first.
• Avoid smoking, vaping, and secondhand smoke. Do not drink alcohol. These all make symptoms worse and cause other medical problems.

You:

• Have a fever that lasts for more than 3–4 days
• Get new or worsening symptoms, such as ear pain, cough, sore throat, pain or pressure in your face, headache, or dark, thick, or yellow discharge from your nose
• Have symptoms that last longer than 10 days

You:

• Are having trouble breathing
• Can't drink anything or have signs of dehydration (not enough water in the body), such as extreme thirst, a dry or sticky mouth, less pee or darker pee than usual

How do colds spread to others? Colds spread when someone with a cold:

• Coughs and/or sneezes the virus into the air and someone else breathes it in
• Touches the virus on another person or a hard surface (such as a doorknob), then touches their own eyes, nose, or mouth

How can I avoid getting colds? To avoid getting colds, it helps to:

• Wash your hands well and often using soap and water. Scrub for at least 20 seconds, then rinse and dry thoroughly. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get the rest you need. All of these can help your immune system fight colds and other infections.

To help prevent your cold from spreading to others:

• Sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue away and wash your hands well. If a tissue is not available, sneeze into your upper sleeve or inner elbow, not your hands.
• Don't share eating utensils, drinking cups, or straws until all of your symptoms are gone.