On average children will catch 6 to 8 colds per year, with adults catching 2 to 4 colds per year. These symptoms can last for a week or two, and can include fatigue, a runny nose, fever, headache and sore throat.
When there are around 200 different kinds of viruses that cause the ‘common cold’, it’s no wonder it’s a struggle to develop an effective vaccine.
Check out our 5 ways to kick the common cold!
- Painkillers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen may offer some benefit when dealing with fever or pain
- Research suggests that Zinc tablets taken during the initial stages (first two days) of a cold can be helpful in the recovery process ( but avoid using Zinc nasal sprays as they can permanently damage your sense of smell).
- Antihistamines (Such as Claratyne and Zyrtec) can be purchased from a pharmacy and appear to reduce common cold symptoms during the first two days. Unfortunately, they do not seem to help children in the same way.
- ‘Combination Medications’ incorporate a painkiller, a decongestant and antihistamine all in one product. These may offer best results as they cover a larger range of symptoms. A pharmacist can advise you which product is best for you.
- Nasal Sprays such as Ipratopium (Atrovent) or Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) are also available from your pharmacy and may offer benefit for nasal congestion.
Unfortunately, once a cold has started, there is little evidence that you’ll get relief from remedies containing Vitamin C, garlic, or echinacea. But stay fit and active- as people who exercise seem to get fewer colds than those who don’t!
So this winter be prepared to kick the common cold with Dr Aifric Boylan’s top 5 tips!
If you have a cold and need to see a doctor . You can find a local GP by using doctors.com.au.
This article was written and provided by Dr Aifric Boylan:
Dr Aifric Boylan is a practising GP based in Melbourne, specialising in Womens’ Health and is Director of Qoctor, an online doctor service which provides a range of online healthcare.