What is a cold? The common cold, also referred to as an upper respiratory infection (URI) is caused by any one of more than 200 viruses. Most colds last anywhere from 5-10 days. Symptoms can include:

How is a cold spread? Although colds are spread in droplets expelled by an infected person when he/she coughs or sneezes, it is more commonly spread by direct hand-to-hand contact. Colds ARE NOT brought on by cold feet, going outside with wet hair or becoming chilled. Being overly tired or stressed can make a person more vulnerable to any viral illness, including colds. 

What can I do to feel better? Unfortunately, there is no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics WILL NOT help since they fight bacterial not viral infections. Treatment is aimed at symptom relief so it is best to choose those medications specific to your symptoms:

Tylenol or Advil: helps alleviate aches/pains and fever
Pseudofed: helps to decrease nasal and ear congestion
Chlor-trimaton: helps decrease sneezing, itchy watery eyes and runny nose
Robitussin DM: helps to suppress cough and liquefy secretions
Throat lozengers: alleviates minor throat pain and irritation
Warm salt water gargles: helps reduce swelling in the throat

Additionally:
Get plenty of rest to allow your body to recover
Drink plenty of fluids (especially hot liquids) to help soothe the throat and liquefy secretions
Avoid Alcohol which can cause dehydration and slow recovery
Avoid Smoking which can cause further irritation to the respiratory tract and increase the risk of pneumonia or bronchitis.

When should I see the Nurse?
*cold symptoms persisting longer than 10 days
*bloody nasal mucus
*pain or tenderness around the eyes
*enlarged neck glands
*difficulty breathing
*white patches on the throat
*fever greater than 100.5 for more than 2 days