Common cold treatment available online today

The common cold can easily spread from person to person, i.e. it's highly contagious. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets that contain the viruses become airborne and can be inhaled by another person in the nearby vicinity. Another method of spread is through touch. This includes direct touch by an infected person or indirectly touching a common surface that has been touched by an infected person.

Treatment mainly aims to ease symptoms with OTC cold medications and some home remedies. Since the common cold is caused by a virus, antibiotics which treat bacterial infections are ineffective.

Over the counter medicines

Here is a list of common over the counter medicines that can help relieve symptoms of the common cold and the typical brand names:

• Over the counter cough suppressants - also known as antitussives: These work by suppressing the cough reflex. Common brand names include but are not limited to Delsym and Robitussin.

• Over the counter cough expectorants: These help thin the mucus so it is easier to cough and expel it. Common brand names include but are not limited to Mucinex and Robitussin.

• Pain relievers: Common over the counter medicines include aspirin (e.g. Bayer), acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol), and Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil).

• Over the counter nasal decongestants: Over the counter decongestants help relieve stuffy noses. Common brand names include but are not limited to Afrin and Sudafed.

• Vapor rub

• Saline nasal sprays

Note that not all OTC cold medicines are suitable for children younger than 6. Carefully read all labels/directions or consult a pediatrician who can recommend an appropriate over the counter kids medicine.

Home remedies

Aside from over the counter medicines, here are some at home remedies that may also help you feel better:

• Get adequate rest

• Warm liquids - chicken soup, warm water with lemon, hot tea

• Saltwater gargle - can help reduce swelling

• Saline nasal irrigation

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the common cold is one of the more contagious infectious diseases. One of the main ideas behind cold prevention is to prevent the spread of the cold viruses through good hygiene practices:

• Wash hands frequently with soap

• Cover when sneezing or coughing

• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces frequently

In addition, stay healthy and keep your immune system up to be able to fend off the cold virus:

• Exercise

• Get enough sleep

• Reduce exposure to first and secondhand smoke - people that smoke or are around smoke are at an increased risk of catching colds.

• Zinc supplements - some studies have shown that taking zinc lozenges can help reduce the duration of the cold. The zinc lozenges / syrups seem to work by preventing the cold viruses from growing in the upper respiratory tract (i.e. nasal passages and throat).

• Vitamin C - some studies have shown that daily supplementation of vitamin C seems to be marginally beneficial in reducing the duration and severity of the common cold.

• Vitamin D - similar to vitamin C, some studies have shown that daily supplementation of vitamin D seems to be helpful in common cold prevention/treatment.

However, do note that the effect of supplements on the common cold is still an area of active research with mixed results.

Flu

While the common cold is different from the flu, it is sometimes hard to tell which one you have due to overlaps in their symptoms. The flu is caused by the influenza viruses, which are different from the ones causing the common cold. Both are upper respiratory infections, but flu symptoms tend to be more severe than those of the common cold. With the flu, you are likely to experience severe aches, pains, headaches, fever and chills. The flu can also lead to serious complications such as pneumonia.

Sinus infection

A sinus infection (sinusitis) is one of the common upper respiratory infections. There are two types of sinusitis: viral and bacterial sinusitis. During the common cold, the virus can infect the sinuses and cause inflammation in the sinus membranes - viral sinusitis. When sinusitis is caused by bacterial infection, it is known as bacterial sinusitis. Symptoms that are common between the common cold and sinus infection are: runny nose, stuffy nose, post-nasal drip, cough and sore throat.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 while the common cold is typically caused by a rhinovirus. Both viruses are highly contagious and spread in similar manners: through the spread of the droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and by touching a common surface that has been touched by an infected person, then touching your own mouth, nose or eyes.

These symptoms are characteristic of COVID-19:

• Severe aches, pains

• Headaches

• Fever or chills

• New loss of taste or smell

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

Some symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of the common cold:

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Runny nose

• Stuffy nose

Upper respiratory tract infection

An upper respiratory tract infection is a viral infection that affects the nose (sinuses) and throat (making up the upper respiratory tract). The common cold is one of the upper respiratory infections. Other upper respiratory infections include: sinusitis, pharyngitis, and laryngitis.