HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Colds are annoying. On average, adults suffer from two to four colds a year. Symptoms tend to peak after two to three days but the cough that comes with a cold can last for three to four weeks.
Colds are caused by viruses infecting your upper airways (nose, sinuses, mouth, throat and voice box). They aren't caused by bacteria so antibiotics will not treat a cold.
If you have a cold, you'll have some or all of these symptoms:
Unlike influenza (flu), there is no vaccination for colds because they're caused by many different viruses.
You can avoid colds by washing your hands before eating or preparing food and not sharing cups, drink bottles, knives and forks or anything you eat or drink with. Also, wash your hands after you've touched your face.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your arm (but not your hand) when you sneeze or cough, then wash your hands afterwards.
Keeping your home warm and dry and being smokefree also help to stop you and your family from getting colds. Getting enough sleep and eating well can also reduce the number of colds you get and how bad they are.
Most people get over a cold within one to two weeks, but the cough that goes with a cold can last up to four weeks. The image below shows how long cold symptoms can last – a cough and runny nose can continue past two weeks without being a serious problem.
While your immune system is fighting the cold, any mucus you're coughing up may go from white or clear to yellow or pale green. This is normal. As long as it's just a small amount and you do not have any other chest symptoms, you do not need antibiotics.
There are no treatments that will make a cold go away more quickly. But your immune system should fight it off within one or two weeks.
Antibiotics will not treat a cold and may cause side effects such as diarrhoea (the runs), thrush and tummy aches. Taking antibiotics when you do not need them makes it more likely you'll later develop a bacterial infection that doesn't respond to antibiotics. It could then be very hard to find an antibiotic that works for you.
There are lots of cold and flu medications available over the counter. Read the labels carefully because they're often expensive versions of simple pain relievers or decongestants. Speak to a pharmacist if you aren't sure what to take or if you're taking other medication, especially if you have any other health condition or are pregnant, as it may be best that you do not take these medications.
Most colds get better within one to two weeks. But you should see a doctor if you:
Seek medical help immediately if you have any symptoms of meningitis.
HealthInfo recommends the following videos
Quick facts about the common cold, includes causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
Poster with photos, showing correct hand-washing technique. You can also order this as a sticker.
The differences between colds and the flu.
This article summarises the evidence for and against various complementary treatment for colds.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed June 2022.
See also:
Review key: HICLD-59367