Common Cold
What is it
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and sometimes the sinuses. The most common symptoms are a runny nose, cough, and sore throat.
What you can do at home
What to do
- Get as much rest as possible.
- Sleep with the head slightly elevated — for example, by placing a pillow under the mattress or slightly raising the head of the bed.
- Take warm showers or baths. The steam may make breathing easier.
- For children: let them play in the bath, or stay with them in the shower.
- Keep the air in the home clean and slightly humid, at 30% to 50% humidity.
- For children aged 4 years and older: offer sugar-free hard candy or honey lozenges (cough drops).
- Ask a pharmacist to recommend the right medication to relieve symptoms.
- To relieve pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age.
To stay hydrated and nourished
- Drink plenty of water.
- Drink warm fluids, such as broth.
- Eat several small meals, even when appetite is reduced.
- For babies and young children: offer the breast, bottle or other fluids often.
To relieve other symptoms
If needed, see the health advice sheets on:
- Cough
- Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
- Sore throat
To prevent spreading the infection
- Wash hands often.
- Do not share objects that have been in contact with the person who is sick.
- Stay home during the most contagious period.
- Avoid close contact with others, especially babies, children, older adults and people who are immunocompromised.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
Avoid
- Smoking or vaping
- Places where there is smoke or dust
When to seek medical attention
Fever that continues to worsen despite following the recommended advice
Fever that begins after 3 days of cold symptoms despite following the recommended advice
Sore throat, cough or runny nose lasting more than 7 days with no improvement
Cough lasting more than 3 weeks despite following the recommended advice
Ear pain that persists despite following the recommended advice. See the health advice sheets on:
- Outer Ear Infection
- Middle Ear Infection
Fever in people at higher risk, including people with weakened immune systems, people who are pregnant and babies under 3 months of age
For people aged 75 years and older:
fever and difficulty carrying out one or more activities of daily living, such as preparing meals or bathing
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
Dizziness or feeling faint
Rapid changes in general condition, such as:
- unusual fatigue or difficulty staying awake
- reduced responsiveness
- confusion, agitation or unusual behaviour
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- reduced appetite or thirst
- difficulty carrying out normal daily activities
Severe difficulty breathing, especially with the following symptoms:
- the skin, lips or fingers are blue or bluish (cyanosis)
- breathing becomes increasingly difficult, even at rest
- there is a high-pitched or wheezing sound when breathing (stridor)
- the chest or abdomen pulls inward with each breath (retractions)
- in babies and children under 2 years of age: the nostrils flare with each breath