A cold day by day: what to do at each stage

The common cold is caused by a virus, and most people get better on their own in about 7 to 10 days. That's why antibiotics don't treat it or shorten it. What really helps is resting your body and easing the symptoms properly at each stage.

Stage one (days 1–3): scratchy throat and sneezing

The first sign is usually a burning or scratchy throat, with sneezing, mild tiredness and a heavy feeling. At this stage the infection passes easily to others.

• Drink plenty of warm fluids: anise tea, lemon with honey, soup.
• Gargle with warm salt water several times a day.
• Sleep well and take it easy.
• Wash your hands often and cover your mouth when you sneeze, so you don't infect people around you.

Stage two (days 3–5): runny and blocked nose

These are usually the hardest days of a cold: runny nose, blocked nose, headache and sometimes a mild fever. Mucus may start clear and then thicken.

• Saline solution or a salt-water nasal spray cleans the nose and suits most people.
• Warm steam and raising your pillow a little at night make breathing easier.
• Decongestant nasal sprays shouldn't be used for more than 3 days in a row, because they can cause rebound congestion.
• If you need a pain reliever and fever reducer, ask the pharmacist which suits you, especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or stomach problems.

Stage three (days 5–10): cough and starting to improve

The runny nose eases, leaving a mild cough or a feeling of phlegm. Phlegm turning yellow or green does not, on its own, mean there is a bacterial infection.

• Keep up the warm fluids. A spoonful of honey can soothe a cough in adults and children over one year.
• Tell the pharmacist what kind of cough you have, dry or with phlegm, so they can choose the right product.

After day ten

Most symptoms will have gone, but it's quite normal for a mild cough to last two or three weeks after a cold.

When should you see a doctor?

• A temperature of 39 °C or more, or a fever lasting more than 3 days.
• Shortness of breath, wheezing or chest pain.
• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days, or improving and then getting worse.
• Severe pain in the ear, face or sinuses.
• A baby under 3 months with any fever, or a child who isn't feeding or drinking.
• Older people, pregnant women and people with long-term conditions if the symptoms are severe.

Common mistakes with colds

• Antibiotics without a doctor: they don't treat colds and they increase bacterial resistance.
• Two cold medicines together: many combination cold remedies contain the same fever-reducing ingredient, so taking two can push the dose too high without you noticing. Show them to the pharmacist.
• Cough and cold medicines for young children: don't give them to a child without advice.