Common cold
The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat. It is very common and usually mild. There is no cure, but most people feel better within a week or two, and antibiotics do not help because colds are caused by viruses.
- Usually lasts
- About a week to 10 days
- A cough can linger
- For up to 3 weeks
- Antibiotics
- Do not work on colds
Common symptoms
- A blocked or runny nose
- Sneezing
- A sore throat
- A cough
- A mild temperature
- A headache and general aches
- Feeling tired or run down
Is it a cold or flu?
Colds come on gradually, mostly affect the nose and throat, and you can usually carry on with most normal activities. Flu comes on suddenly and is usually more severe, with a high temperature, aching muscles and exhaustion that can keep you in bed.
What you can do yourself
- Rest, and drink plenty of fluids.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for aches, headache or a temperature if they are suitable for you. Follow the pack, and ask us if you take other medicines or have asthma, stomach ulcers, or kidney, liver or heart problems.
- Use a saline nasal spray or drops to loosen a blocked nose. Decongestant sprays give short-term relief, but most leaflets say no more than about a week, and decongestant tablets are not suitable for everyone, particularly people with high blood pressure or heart conditions.
- Sip a warm drink of honey and lemon to soothe a cough or sore throat (not for babies under 1). Lozenges may help older children and adults.
- Cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under 6, and children aged 6 to 12 should only have them after asking a pharmacist.
- Stay at home if you have a temperature or feel unwell, and avoid close contact with people who are at higher risk.
Stopping the spread
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Use a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and put it in the bin straight away.
- Do not share cups, towels or cutlery.
How PRX Pharmacy can help
You do not need an appointment. Pop into any of our branches and tell the pharmacist your symptoms, your age (or your child's), and any other medicines you take, and we will recommend something safe. If we think something more than a cold is going on, we will tell you who to see.
When to get medical help
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- • You are struggling to breathe, or have severe difficulty speaking in full sentences
- • You have blue, grey or very pale lips or skin
- • You have chest pain, or you are confused or extremely drowsy
- • A child is floppy, hard to wake, or has a seizure (fit)
Contact your GP practice or call 111 the same day if:
- • You are breathing fast, wheezy, or short of breath
- • You have a high temperature that has lasted more than 3 to 5 days, or goes away and comes back
- • You feel better and then suddenly worse again
- • You have chest pain when you breathe or cough, or you cough up blood
- • A baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38°C or above
- • A child is not drinking, is having far fewer wet nappies, or is unusually sleepy
- • You have a weakened immune system, or a long-term lung or heart condition, and you are getting worse
- • Your cough has lasted more than 3 weeks
If you are ever worried and unsure, ask us or call 111. Trust your instincts — it is always better to ask.
This guide is general information written by the PRX Pharmacy team. It does not replace advice from a pharmacist or doctor who knows your medical history.
Last updated 24 September 2026. Clinically reviewed by Milan Patel, Pharmacist on 24 September 2026.
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